Required Reading List Blog #3 Books 17-25

Telgemeier, R. (2010). Smile. NY: Graphix 

This book was not a requirement to read for this course. I was given the author's name and I chose a book that I felt would be a great read for YA readers. Smile was on New York times  best selling list, and won the Eisner Award.

Raina is a sixth grader in middle school and wants to fit in and be normal. She has an overbite and needs braces to fix the problem. While racing to her porch she falls and Raina knocks out her 2 front teeth. Being in middle school just got a little bit harder for Raina and the heckling from her sibling and friends makes it that much worse. Raina has several disastrous trips to the dentist and she just wants to escape into her world of art and her crush, Sean. The people Raina thought were her friends show their true colors and Raina starts to realize the importance of family, true friends,  close enough to perfect teeth, and the love in her life.

I was excited to find out that this book takes me through the life of Raina Telgemeier. It's interesting to see that many girls go through hardships at some point in their life. People who you thought were your best friends turn out to be horrible people. I find love that this book was an easy read and I love the fact that is was a graphic novel. YA readers will be thrilled to read such an interesting story and many girls will be able to relate to the hardships that Raina goes through during her sixth grade year in middle school. I can remember just like yesterday all the gossip and backstabbing that occurred during my middle school year. I am glad that Raina used her bad experience to show that you can go through anything and still find the importance of family and true friends.

Raina Telgemeier Website

Raina Telgemeier discusses her book Smile

Smile Book trailer

Some other Titles by Raina Telgemeier:

Acevedo,E.(2018). The Poet X.New York: HarperTeen(HarperCollins).

*2019 Best Fiction for Young Adults*

This book was not a requirement to read for this course. I was told to choose a book from the  2016-2019 Best Fiction for Young Adults list and I chose this book. This book has won awards such as The National Book award for Young People's Literature, Carnegie Medal, and Golden Kite Award for young adult fiction.

Xiomara feels unheard and unable to hide in her Harlem neighborhood. Her body is changing and she is going through many different obstacles at home, school, and her community. She has plenty to say, so she lets out how she is feeling in her leather notebook. There are many different obstacles keeping her quiet but she will not be silence for much longer.

I loved the approach the author took by not storytelling it really makes the character come to life in your mind. I was able to feel the way Xiomara was feeling through the way that Elizabeth Acevedo was writing. She brought the character out and it was like I could see and feel what she was going through. Many of the situations Xiomara was going through could be relatable to many teen girls. This was a great read and I would recommend this book to high school students.

Elizabeth Acevedo webpage

Elizabeth Acevedo The Poet X live performance

The Poet X book trailer

Some other Titles by Elizabeth Acevedo: 

Blake, A.H. ( 2018). Ivy Aberdeen's letter to the world. NY: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

* 2019 Best Fiction for Young Adults*

This book was not a requirement to read for this course. I was told to choose a book from the  2016-2019 Best Fiction for Young Adults list and I chose this book.

Ivy Aberdeen's life is turned upside down when a tornado destroys her home leaving her and her family members homeless and with no belongings. Ivy feels like she has lost everything, but  she realizes she was able to save her notebook that was filled with personal drawings. Ivy realizes that she has misplaced the notebook somewhere at her school; which is being used as a shelter for families that have been misplaced by the tornado.  She doesn't know where it is, and she gets even more scared when she receives a single page from her notebook every day in her locker along with notes about how she should talk to someone about her feelings and the messages her drawings depict. Ivy starts to wonder if this is the work of June, a unique girl who she befriended after the tornado. Ivy gets close to June, and starts to develop a crush on her. Ivy goes on a true journey with finding and accepting herself and she continues to tell her story through her art work.

I really enjoyed reading this novel. Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World represents change and acceptance. When Ivy's family lost their home in the tornado, their minds were all over the place. With Ivy being only twelve years old and the middle child, she felt like she didn't have a place within her family and felt like she was in the way. She soon realized that that was not true. Her family was just trying to figure things out all while trying to stay positive and on top of everything else that was going on during that difficult time. My house was flooded twice, so I know the frustration that Ivy was going through, but the difference is I am an adult and she is a child. If I feel lost and helpless as an adult I can only imagine how a child feels, because their emotions are all over the place. I am glad that Ivy over came her obstacles and found her balance within herself, friends, and family.

Ashley Herring Blake's webpage.

Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World book trailer.

Some other Titles by Ashley Herring Blake:

Blake, A.H. (2018). Girl made of stars. NY: HMH Books for Young readers

*2019 Best Fiction for Young Adults*

This book was not a requirement to read for this course. I was told to choose a book from the  2016-2019 Best Fiction for Young Adults list and I chose this book.

Mara and Owen are twins , and they are close. They attend Pebblebrook High School. One night they both go to a party, and Mara sees her ex-girlfriend Charlie there with a new girl, she decides to leave the party. Her brother Owen's best friend, Alex, offers to take her home, and they both wanted to tell Owen they were leaving, but they couldn't find him. Both of them just know that Owen was completely wasted and was last seen with his girlfriend, Hannah. As the weekend passes and the kids get back to school, it is found out that Owen rapped Hannah while they were at the party. Mara does not believe this because how could her twin brother do such a thing, but Hannah is one of her best friends, and Mara also knows that this isn't something she would lie about. Mara feels torn between who to believe, but during this time she is also having flashbacks of her own sexual assault that happened and it continues to haunt her.

This novel was an interesting read for me. It contained events about sexual assault situations and how they are dealt with. In this novel you are able to see how some sexual assault victims speak out and how others do not. The victims that do choose to speak up are often ashamed and the person who does assault them usually walks away free, and the person that does not speak out just feels lonely. I could never imagine having to be in the situation Mara was in. Where her twin brother is accused of sexual assaulting her best friend. She was put in a weird predicament and didn't know who's side to take. While this was happening she was also dealing with her own sexual assault that still continues to haunt her. If I have anything to say to sexual assault victims is there is life after abuse and do not let anyone take your happiness away from you. I am glad that Hannah had two best friends on her side that were able to help her during a tough situation.

Ashley Herring Blake's webpage.

Girl Made of Stars book review

This book is similar to Girl Made of Stars:

Some other Titles by Ashley Herring Blake:

Coles, J. (2018). Tyler Jonson was here. NY: Little Brown Books for Young Readers.

*2019 Quick Picks For Reluctant Young Adult Readers*

This book was not a requirement to read for this course. I was told to choose a book from the  2016-2019 Quick Picks for Reluctant Young adult readers and I chose this book.

Marvin and Tyler Johnson are twins who live in Alabama. Marvin is a good student and wants to attend MIT, but his brother Tyler is the exact opposite and likes to party and live the street life. Tyler and Marvin used to be really close and hang out together but now they have been spending time apart. Tyler is now starting to hang out with a well- known drug dealer at their high school. One day, Marvin and his friends go to a party thrown by Johntae to keep an eye on his brother Tyler. At the party Marvin looses sight of Tyler and a shooting occurs. Marvin and his friends escape the shooting, but Tyler is missing and no one knows where he is. Tyler ends up really being missing and everyone begins to pray that he is safe. It eventually comes up that Tyler was murdered by a police officer, and the whole ordeal was recorded by video. Marvin and his mother are devastated by the situation and are trying to understand why Tyler was shot in the first place. Marvin is tired of all of the police brutality and racism that happens in his environment, so he decides that it's time to take action and seek justice for his twin brother.

This novel reminds me of the book " The Hate you Give",  that I read for one of my other blogs. Both of these books truly represent the many occurrence of police brutality in today's society. I think that since the story was written in Marvin's point of view, readers are able to feel the emotions he was feeling and get a sense of what he went through during the aftermath of this horrible tragedy. In today's world people of color are afraid to simply go for a walk outside because a cop can assume they are up to no good and stop them. This is the reality that many people go through on a daily basis and the whole world needs to be aware of this horrible injustice. This book is a great read for high school kids, because this is the time that they might start to encounter some of these situations just by going to school. This book is a great read to encourage its readers to find their voice and fight for what is right.

Information about Author Jay Coles.

Jay Coles' Tyler Johnson was here book trailer

Tyler Johnson Was Here book talk.

Some other Titles by Jay Coles:

McCoy, M. (2018). I, Claudia. MN: Carolrhoda Lab.

*2019 Michael L. Printz Honor Book*

This book was not a requirement to read for this course. I was told to choose a book from the  2016-2019 Michael L. Printz award or honor book award and I chose this book.

Have you ever felt like you are unusual and not pretty. Well, Claudia McCarthy feels like this all the time. She has low self-esteem and keeps to herself. Claudia begins her freshman year at a school named Imperial Day Academy. At this school, it's all about power. The students are able to be elected for the Honor Council and be on the Senate. When she first started at this school, she got involved and feels that she only survived because she had her older sister, Maisie with her. Things have now changed, and eventually Claudia is dragged into these higher positions. She wants to work hard and  make real changes, but various obstacles and other corrupted leaders make it difficult for her to make the necessary changes. Claudia is viewed as a entirely different person than at the beginning of her high school year, and she tries to tell her story to convince others that she is still the same person.

" I, Claudia", is a great read and I would recommend it to high school students. It has a fascinating protagonist named Claudia that at the beginning of the story is a nobody and works her way up in the student government. I felt this novel showed the indifference from adults to step forward to teach their children morals and the culture of silence among students to protect each other's privilege. You hear a lot about high school privilege in the news and I though that this novel had some resemblance to some of those stories that were shown. It is tough being in High School and having to deal with all the pressure that comes along with trying to fit in and be cool with everyone does come with a cost. While, I was reading this novel I noticed that the pages were written in Roman numerals and that some of the characters' names sounded familiar. I did a little research and I, Claudia is a reference to the Roman Empire. This novel is actually based on I, Claudius by Robert Graves. I found that the way the book was detailed was amazing to me, and I find this book would be a great resource to read as a lesson and brush up on some History.

Mary McCoy's webpage

Books Similar to I, Claudia



Some other Titles by Mary McCoy:

Lee, H. and Fordham,F. (2018). To Kill A Mockingbird. NY: HarperCollins Publishers

(Original work published in 1960)

*2019 Great Graphic Novel for Teens*

This book was not a requirement to read for this course. I was told to choose a book from the  2016-2019 Great Graphic Novel for Teens and I chose this book.

To Kill A Mockingbird "A Graphic Novel, " is adapted from the classic story first written in 1960. This graphic novel is told through the view of Jean Louise, also known as " Scout." Scout and her brother Jem are growing up in the South and spend most of their time playing outside. Their father, Atticus Finch, is a lawyer who teaches and encourages his children to read. Their dad is also the lawyer of Tom Robinson, a black man who is accused of assaulting and raping a white woman in the town. Scout and Jem notice the racism and injustice in the case as they learn the truth about what really happened and they stick by their father through it all.

I have read To Kill a Mockingbird during high school, and I loved how this graphic novel helped bring the story to life. I loved the plot of the story and the way that Fred Fordham brought the illustrations to life I was able to see the characters' emotions firsthand and made me fall in love with the book even more. I would suggest that readers read the original book first so that they are able to compare it to the illustrations represented in the graphic novel. I believe this graphic novel is perfect for young readers because they have the opportunity to cherish this story just as I did the original.

Harper Lee's webpage.

To Kill A Mocking Bird book trailer.

To Kill A Mocking Bird book review.

Fred Fordham discussing To Kill A Mockingbird

Some Other Titles by Harper Lee:

Small, D. (2018). Home after dark. NY: Liveright Publishing Corporation.

*2019 Great Graphic Novel for Teens*

This book was not a requirement to read for this course. I was told to choose a book from the  2016-2019 Great Graphic Novel for Teens and I chose this book.

Russell and his father Mike move to California and attempt to start a new life when his mom leaves them for a former high school football star. Russell and Mike planned on moving in with his Aunt June, but ended up moving in with a Chinese couple who own a restaurant until his father could find a job and afford a place of their own. Russell and his father move out, but many changes start to happen within Russell's life. His father becomes an alcoholic and then just disappears, leaving his son to fend for himself for a while. At this time, Russell is going through puberty and his adolescence years. He becomes friends with two boys and they are constantly making fun of him for being weird. Russell also becomes friends with a boy named Warren, but he decides to back away when he realizes that Warren likes boys and once put him in an uncomfortable position. Russell eventually stopped talking to him because he was getting made fun of. One of his jerk friends decides to frame Warren for a crime he didn't commit and even beat him up. Those boys left him feeling hopeless and with the rest of the community hating him. Warren commits suicide by hanging himself, and Russell feels horrible about this whole situation. Russell takes off with money that he had stolen from the restaurant and wants to find Warren's grandma in another town, in hopes he can apologize to her and apologize about Warren's death.

"Home After Dark", is a novel about homosexuality, bullying, loneliness, sex and abandonment. I think this novel would be good for a high school students because of the content that the book contains. A lot of high school students are going through similar situations and will find content in this book to relate to some of the situations they are going through or see during their high school days. Russell has many forms of adversity going on in his life and wants to be accepted and not be lonely. As I was reading I noticed that the author/illustrator didn't include color to the pictures because I feel he wanted to demonstrate how Russell felt trapped into his world. There was no happy ending in this story Russell is left alone in the dark with many struggles left to come in his teenage years. I would recommend this book to high school students because of the content discussed in this book.

David Small's webpage.

Interview with Author David Small

Home After Dark book trailer.

Some other Titles by David Small:

Lippincott, R.(2018). Five Feet Apart.NY: Simon & Schuster Book for Young Readers

*NYT Bestseller- List date 12-22-2018*

This book was not a requirement to read for this course. I was told to choose a book from the June 2018- December 2018 New York Times Bestseller list  and I chose this book.

Stella is a kind, rule-following seventeen year old teenage girl who has cystic fibrosis. She is in the hospital for a "tune up" when she meets seventeen year old Will who is a rule breaker and also has cystic fibrosis.  It is a rule that patients that have cystic fibrosis stay six feet apart from one another to avoid contagious infections that could worsen their conditions. Stella is waiting for a lung transplant and Will has tested positive for a dangerous bacteria called B. cepacia. The two begin a friendship that leads to romance. Stella helps Will be more disciplined with his treatments, and Will helps Stella learn to live each day likes it's your last. Now that they have a romance the two feel that having cystic fibrosis is a punishment, because the two just want to be with one another. The question is will these two break the rules are will they stay six feet apart?

I love Rachael Lippincott's Five Feet Apart. I could not put this novel down. I had to stop a few times to compose myself to continue reading this novel. I am a huge softy when it comes to romance and health issues. The setting of the story takes place in a hospital and I was thinking that in reality a hospital would have more security than this book had. I have a new respect for people dealing with cystic Fibrosis and all of the challenges that comes with having this condition. It truly opened my eyes to not having any physical contact with anyone. This book reminds me of another book that I read called, " The Fault in our Stars." I would defiantly recommend this book to YA readers, because it draws you in and it teaches you to live each day like it is your last. 

Rachael Lippincott's webpage.

Interview with Author Rachael Lippincott

Five Feet Apart book trailer

Five Feet Apart movie trailer

Some other Titles by Rachael Lippincott:

Required Reading list Blog #2 Books 9-16

Quintero, I. (2014). Gabi: A girl in pieces. TX: Cinco Puntos

This book was a requirement to read for this course. It was named to School Library Journal for best book of 2004.

Gabriela is a seventeen year old light skinned Hispanic girl who lives in Santa Maria de los Rosales, CA with her mother, father,brother, and tia. She is named after her abuela. Her mother had  her when she was very young, her father is a meth addict, and her younger brother Beto who is 15, has a mohawk and is somewhat of a tagger. Her tia Bertha stays with the family to help them out when her father needs help. Her tia is religious but has her own set of demons to deal with. Gabi has two best friends one is named Cindy who is pregnant and the other is named Sebastian and he is gay. Gabi keeps a diary in and explains what is happening in her life during the last year of high school. Some of the topics she writes in her diary are filling out college applications, boys she likes, her cravings for food, and her love of poetry. Gabi writes letters in her diary to express how she feels and never lets them out of her diary. She has both family and school life to deal with which involved too much for one teenage girl to endure and with a new baby on the way, her mother is in no condition of supporting them with a father who is not there most of the time because he is an addict. Gabriela wants to go to college and this would be her only way out of the house, but her mother is old school and says she must learn to cook and clean so she could find a good husband one day. Her mother is overbearing and is constantly shaming her about her weight. Her mother even blames Gabi when her brother Beto makes bad decisions. Gabi is use to taking the blame since she is the older sibling. Gabi proves that she is not a product of her environment and gets into the college of her choice.

Gabi, A Girl in Pieces is a laugh out loud funny yet endearing story of a young girl's senior year of high school. Gabi works through the untold pains of loss, the unmistakably feelings of true love, and the stress of wondering if she would get accepted into the college she has always dreamed of attending.  I think this book is great for High School students to read, because it shows someone their age going through some difficult times. Everyone can somewhat relate to the situations that Gabi was going through in her last year of High School. I remember during my Senior year of High School there were many girls that were pregnant and students just finding out who they like gender wise. I would have to say High School life is already tough and to have to go through many problems at home too will put so much pressure on anyone.While this story touches on several themes, the overall effect of this novel on the reader is spectacular. One thing I found interesting in this novel was Gabi's use of poetry to express her feelings and overcome the many losses she has had in her young life. There are many references to adult themes in this story such as drugs, sex, rape, a potential suicide, and abortion that I would suggest Gabi, A Girl in Pieces to mature young adult readers. I love how this story shows that you should never give up on your dreams even if you are going through hardships in your life.


Isabel Quintero webpage.

Gabi: A girl in pieces book trailer

Interview with Isabel Quintero

Some other titles by Isabel Quintero:

Sartrapi,M. (2004). Persepolis:The Story of a Childhood. NY:Pantheon

This books was a requirement to read for this course. Persepolis was on American Library Associations list of Top Ten most challenged books in 2014.

Persepolis tells the story of Marjane Satrapi, a young girl growing up in Iran during the 1980s and early 1990s. She sees her world change for the worse, and her once peaceful childhood rapidly transforms into an existence of madness, turmoil, and hate. As Marjane gets older and people she cares about become victims of the war, Marjane allows her feeling and beliefs to show through such as, her dislike of wearing her veil, her hatred of the of the government in place, and her love of American rock music. Marjane has a misunderstood altercation with her principal and her parents must now send her away to live in a safer land. While in Vienna, Austria, Marjane never feels as though she quite fits in. Marjane goes through a few misadventures in life and love and eventually returns home. Once, she returns home Marjane decides that she needs to return to school. At school she meets her future husband who will one day becom her ex-husband, and the world around her continues to crumble. When the war begins in Iran again and it becomes too dangerous for her to stay, Marjane's parents tell her that she must leave, but for good this time.

I was interested in reading this book once I found out that Persepolis was based on the life of Marjane Sartrapi the author of the book during the Islamic revolution and into the Iran-Iraq war. I like that it is an autobiography written in the form of a graphic novel. Persepolis is written in a collection of four different graphic novels. Each novel discusses a different time in her life, so it is important to remember this when suggesting the series to students. I am interested in reading the other novels that go with this series. I also found it interesting that Persepolis was made into a movie. I could never image the hardships that Marjane had to endure as a child. I would recommend this book to young adult readers and am looking forward to watching the movie and reading the other books in the series.

Marjane Satrapi webpage

Persepolis Book Trailer

Persepolis movie trailer

Interview with Marjane Satrapi


Other Titles by Marjane Satrapi:

Thomas,A. (2017). The hate u give.NY: HarperCollins

This book was a requirement to read for this course. This book has was recognized in 2018 by the American Library Association with the William C. Morris Award for best debut book for teens, the Coretta Scott King Award for the best novel by an African-American author for children, and was an honor book for the Michael L. Printz Award for best novel for teens. This book was named to the National Book Award longlist for young adult literature and was nominated for the 2018 Carnegie Medal, and won the 2018 Deutscher Jungendliteraturepreis in the young adult jury section. The Hate U give was listed on the American Library Association as one of the ten most-challenged books of 2017 and 2018.

Sixteen year old Starr is a part of two different worlds. She lives in Garden Heights, which is known as a poor black neighborhood. She attends a prep school in a more suburban area that's about 45 minutes away from where she lives. One day, she attends a party in her neighborhood, which is something she usually does not do. At the party Starr runs into her childhood friend Khalil. A shooting ends up happening at the party, so Starr and Khalil leave and get in his car. As they are trying and catching up with one another lives a cop pulls them over. Starr thinks its just a regular traffic stop, but Khalil is asked to step outside the vehicle and to wait and not to move. Khalil moves to check up on Starr and the cop shoots him and kills him. Starr has just witnessed the murder. Khalil is portrayed in the news as a dangerous drug dealer who threatened the cop before he was shot. Starr knows this is not true, because she was there to witness the shooting. Starr is the key witness in the investigation and is trying to clear Khalil's name. Starr finds her voice to participate as an activist and find justice for her friend while at the same time riots are starting. She finds herself being  caught in between two worlds.

I really enjoyed reading this story. I had so many different emotions while reading The hate u give. I find it crazy how realistic it is for today's world. It was sad to see the lives of these two teenagers change forever in one night. Khalil was shot because he appeared to have a gun and all he was doing was checking on the well-being of his friend. This book depicts the reality that many people of color go through when they are being racial profiled by law enforcement. I admire how Starr spoke up about the injustice that occurred to her friend. She used her strength to fight for what was right. I believe that her speaking up and using her voice is courageous and I applaud her for being so strong.I can not even imagine myself being put in that situation. I do not think I would have the strength Starr had to fight for what was right.So, Many people go through this same situation regularly and its a shame but this book perfectly depicts the reality that many people live on a daily basis. As I was writing this blog I found that their is a movie based on this book.

Angie Thomas webpage

The Hate U give Book Trailer

Angie Thomas discussing her book The Hate U Give

The Hate U Give movie trailer

Other Titles by Angie Thomas:

Alexander, K. (2016). Booked. NY: HMH Books for YOung Readers

This book was not a requirement to read for this course. I was given the author's name and I chose a book that I felt would be a great read for YA readers.  Booked was a  New York Times Bestseller, and on the National Book Award Longlist.

Nick Hall is twelve years old and his  life revolves around soccer. He and his best friend Coby, always play and practice even though they are on opposing teams. Both boys are excited about the big tournament coming up in Dallas.Things seem to be going good for Nick until his mom moves away for a job to train horses. Nick's parents separate leaving Nick with his father who is a linguistics and obsessed with words. His dad wrote his own dictionary and forces Nick to read to expand his vocabulary. With all of these things going on at home, Nick also has things going on at school, such as bullies and having a crush on a girl named April.How will Nick juggle it all?

I love the fact that this novel is written in verse, which makes it an  easy yet engaging read for young and/ or struggling poetry readers. As I was reading I noticed that each important moment that happened in Nick's life was it's own poem, which I believe helped make the plot progress smoothly. I believe that Booked is an excellent novel for young readers because of the issues Nick goes through.One thing readers his age will be able to relate to is the separation between his parents.  I remember during this age a lot of my friends parents where going through separation/divorce and I think readers would be able to relate to some of the conflicts Nick is going through.  I like how Nick is able to realize that he is going through these conflicts and decides to do something about each of them.

Kwame Alexander webpage

Booked book trailer

Kwame Alexander discussing Booked

Kwame Alexander reading an extract from Booked

Some other Titles by Kwame Alexander:

Crutcher, C. ( 2013). Period 8. NY: HarperCollins.

This book was not a requirement to read for this course. I was given the author's name and I chose a book that I felt would be a great read for YA readers.

Students in Period 8 are expected to tell the truth and "keep it real, about situations happening in their lives. In Period 8 the students get to share their opinions and are expected to keep it between those in the classroom. No one realizes that the truth can actually hurt others and create problems. When Paul Braum admits to his girlfriend, Hannah, that he cheated on her the situation is discussed within Period 8, but this is not the only issue that is happening within the walls of period 8, one of their peers, Mary, appears to be missing and not attending school. Things aren't adding up about this situation,and it appears that someone in Period 8 knows a little more than others and is not telling the truth.

Chris Crutcher's Period. 8 had me in suspense the entire time as I was reading the book. I feel that Paulie is a character that is easy for someone to root for, and I feel he is always trying to do the right thing. Paulie tried to be there for Mary even when it was hard and it was the last thing that he wanted to go. Logs is a teacher that everyone wishes they had. I loved how he created an amazing environment for students with Period 8. Students' lives outside of school can be tough and they deal with adult issues that they shouldn't have to and Logs created a safe space for them to communicate their feelings. I loved reading the relationships that Logs created with his students, but I kinda felt that some of the issues the students talked about could be a little too much for a group discussion. I would recommend this book to High School students, because it kept me at the edge of my seat.

Chris Crutcher webpage

Chris Crutcher talking about his book Period 8

Chris Crutcher Period 8 book trailer

Some other Titles by Chris Crutcher:

King, A.S. (2010). Please ignore Vera Dietz. NY: Knopf Books for Young Readers

This book was not a requirement to read for this course. I was given the author's name and I chose a book that I felt would be a great read for YA readers. Please Ignore Vera Dietz was a 2011 Michael L. Printz award honor book and an Edgar Allan Poe Award nominee for best YA.

Vera Dietz and Charlie Kahn grew up together and have been best friends since forever. Both friends both feel like they are outcast and Vera is secretly in love Charlie. During their senior year in high school they drift apart and Charlie starts hanging out with other teens who are bad influences. Vera does not like that he hangs out with these teens and how Charlie is starting to treat her once he met Jenny. Charlie betrayed Vera in every possible way and now he expects Vera to clear his name. Charlie dies after a major town incident, and Vera feels guilty, because she hates who he became but she still wished she could have saved him in some way. People in town believe Charlie committed a crime right before he died, but Vera knows that is not true. Vera must deal with her conscious and decide whether or not she want's to clear Charlies name even though he did her wrong and he is now dead.

Please Ignore Vera Dietz is a YA novel that deals with many issues that most teenagers go through within their lives today. The novel discusses many topics such as alcoholism, responsibilities,domestic violence and internal conflicts. Vera loved Charlie but also hated his actions right before he died.She didn't know what was the right feelings to have during this situation which affected her mind every single moment of the day. I feel teens often feel lost and confused during a time like this and don't necessarily know how to go through the grieving process without help. During high school many students turn to alcohol to help with their pain and I think a lot of students will be able to relate to this story. I could never in image how Vera was feeling not only losing her best friend but also the person she was secretly in love with. She had a lot of internal conflicts that she had to work through, but just image how many teens are dealing with issues that are similar in this book alone.

A.S. King Webpage

A.S. King movie trailer

Interview with A.S. King

Some other Titles by A.S. King:

Smith, A.(2014). Grasshopper Jungle.New York: Dutton

This book was not a requirement to read for this course. I was given the author's name and I chose a book that I felt would be a great read for YA readers. Grasshopper Jungle has won the Michael L. Printz Award Honor 2015, Milwaukee County Teen Book Award Nominee 2015, Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for Fiction 2014, The Inky Awards Nominee for Silver Inky 2015, And the Kitchies for Red Tentacle Novel 2014.

Austin Szerba lives in a small town in Iowa. He is a typical sixteen year old hormonal and confused teenager. Austin is telling the story of his History, which also just happens to be the end of the world. Austin has a best friend whose name is Robby. One day they are skateboarding behind the mall when they are attacked by the school bullies led by Grant.  Grant throws their shoes and skateboards on the roof and later on that night the boys go back to the mall  to get their belongings and discover a trap door into the store where Austin works part time. Once, the boys get into the store where Austin works they go into the boss' office to see what the boss is hiding and find several items in glass jars such as a two-headed baby, hands, and a glowing green globe. Grant and his friends return and Austin and Robby hide. Grant takes the glowing globe and when they are leaving he drops it into the blood releasing a plague that immediately begins to infect the townsfolk turning them into giant man-eating preying mantises that only want to eat and have sex. Austin and Robby go to Austin's girlfriends house where they find a machine that is typing a message that tells them the virus is in the air and they need to go to the silo. While at the silo, they discover a shelter that explains the origin of the plague, and contains everything they need in order to survive. The boys use the information from the silo to work together with Austin's girlfriends parents and Robby's mom and boyfriend to kill the creatures and are successful even though they are late and are not able to save the town. Austin thinks of having sex all the time and he can't decide if he wants Shann or Robby and eventually he has both. As the story flashes to the future, we see that Austin and Shann have a child and are raising it together but Robby and Austin are a couple.

Grasshopper Jungle is a soft science fiction modern novel that contains a lot of twist and turns. As I was reading Grasshopper Jungle by Andrew Smith I personally didn't know how to feel about it.  Even though I had mixed emotions about reading this book. I believe it is a good book for young adults, because it contains profanity, alcohol and drug use, and sexual situations and many young adults usually experience these issues at some point in their lives. The book mainly focused on the male characters in the story. Those male characters are always thinking about having sex and many boys that will read this story will also be mostly thinking about having sex.There are a few female characters in the story but they where not very well developed. The author portrays it through a funny yet intense action filled plot. I would recommend this book for 9th graders and up, because of the content the book contains.

Andrew Smith webpage

Jungle Grasshopper book trailer

Andrew Smith discussing Grasshopper Jungle

Some other Titles by Andrew Smith:

Green, J. (2012). The Fault in our Stars. New York: NY: Dutton Books, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

This book was not a requirement to read for this course. I was given the author's name and I chose a book that I felt would be a great read for YA readers.Won 2012 Booklist Editors' Choice: Books for Youth.

Hazel Grace Lancaster, 16, is a brilliant young reader with a horrible taste in television shows. She lives with her mother and father in Indiana. Her mother is a stay at home mom and takes care of her while her father works. Hazel takes college classes and is doing her best to get around, because she is not like any normal teenager. She has thyroid and lung cancer in which she has to carry around an oxygen tank. Her mom tells her she must get out of the house and meet new people but she does not want to do that. Hazel decides to attend a support group meeting for people her age with terminally ill diseases and it is there that she meets a boy named Augustus Waters.  He is a 17 year old boy and is in remission for osteosarcoma in which he has one prosthetic legs. Hazel befriends Isaac who is friends with Augustus who is also a candidate for cancer and he eventually loses his eyesight in the novel. Augustus Walters and Hazel become friends and the two develop a relationship like no other. They both fall in love and Augustus uses his free ticket to visit one of Hazel's most inspiring authors in Amsterdam, where she gets the okay to go from her doctors. She is determined to find an ending to the book she read by this author, which has no ending. It is her in Amsterdam that the two become closer than ever and her visit with the author she likes, doesn't turn out as expected. The author is a complete jerk and an alcoholic. Hazel does not want to hurt Augustus because of her terminally ill disease, but she cares about him and he has already lost one girlfriend to brain cancer her name was Caroline Mathers. Hazel feels that if she is with Augustus she will hurt him and feels it is unfair to put him through that in any sort of way. Hazel and Augustus become inseparable until the unexpected happens and a grenade burst.

This book was amazing to read, it was funny and heartfelt bringing me to tears. One of my favorite parts of the novel was when Augustus had a pre-service for his funeral with Isaac and Hazel reading their eulogies. I personally could not see myself in this position having to read a eulogy of one of my friends and have them sit and listen to it. This just showed the type of relationship that these friends have together. I only wish that I would be able to have this type of relationship with my friends at this age. The Fault In our stars contained many themes such as friendship, life, love, and death. I think students starting from Middle School will be able to enjoy this book. It is fascinating and the quick romance between these two teenagers which are both intellectual and emotionally physical would be able to draw any reader to love this book.

John Green webpage

The Fault In Our Stars Book Trailer

The Fault in Our Stars Movie Trailer

John Green discussing The Fault in Our Stars

Some Other Titles from John Green:

Required Reading list Blog #1 Books 1-8

Alexie,S. (2007). The absolutely true diary of a part-time Indian.NY: Little Brown

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian is the National Book Award Winner and was required to read for this assignment.

Junior is a Spokane Indian living on the Spokane reservation and he is proud of his culture. He is going through a life changing identity crises and doesn't know who is is or where he belongs. The only thing that keeps him sane is drawing. Junior finally decides that he must get of the rez, or reservation in order to have a better education. Junior has to travel far for his classes and when he gets to school, he does not fit in well. Junior doesn't give up he decides hes going  be himself, make friends and work hard in his classes. Junior goes through life changing identity crises that makes him wonder where he belongs.

I love the relationship that Junior and Rowdy have. It hurt my heart when Rowdy and Junior got in a fight because Junior went to another school. It makes me think of how my relationships were with my friends at that age of life.
I can see how this book is frequently on the banned/challenged list because it touch on some adult topics and has a lot of foul language. I can also see how this book is the winner of the National Book Award, has positive reviews, and is developmentally appropriate for middle school readers.

Here is the link to The Absolutely true Diary of a part-time Indian book trailer: Click here for Book Trailer

Interview with the Alexie Sherman Click here for the Interview

Just a few Other Titles By Alexie Sherman :

Anderson, L.H. (1999). Speak. NY:Penguin

Speak was a National Book Award Finalist and was a requirement to read for this course.

Melinda is a Freshman at Merryweather High School her friends are not talking to her because she called the police and ended a High School Party they were attending. Her ex-best friend Rachel is ignoring her but Melinda wants to scream inside and tell her why she called the police. Melinda finally decides to Speak up and tell her friends what happened to her at the party.

I remember reading this book as a teenager. This realistic fiction book was a great read and I could not put it down. It was the National Book Award finalist and on the list of banned books. It talks about rape and other experiences that teenagers may go through in life. I even remember watching the movie it brought the book more to life for me after I watched it. Middle school and high school students will hear or experience some of these issues at some point in their life.


Laurie Anderson talking about her book Speak.

Speak Book Trailer.

Speak the movie.

Some other Titles by Laurie Anderson:

Behar, R. (2017) Lucky Broken girl. NY: Delacorte

Lucky Broken girl won the Pura Belpre award and was a requirement to read for this course.

Ruth is a young girl who just moved to Queens from Cuba. Her dad's dream was to own a car. So, that dream came true and he purchased a blue oldsmobile. They went to go visit old friends from Cuba and on their way back they were in an accident. Ruth struggles to return to normal life, but she will not let this obstacle keep her down.

I loved how this story is based on the real life of the author, Ruth Behar. Lucky Broken Girl is a great book for fourth through sixth grade readers. The title is what drove me to want to read this book. Once, I started reading this book I couldn't put it down and I feel the students will have the same response.

Here is the link to Ruth Behar's Bio: ruthbehar.com

Ruth Behar's Lucky Broken Girl Book Trailer: Book Trailer

Some Other Titles by Ruth Behar:

Garden, N. (1982). Annie on my mind. NY:FSG

Annie on my mind was a requirement to read for this course and has been a challenged/ banned book.

Liza is a 17 year old girl attending Foster Academy. She has a dream to attend MIT and become an architect. Liza enjoys going to the Metropolitan Museum of Art for inspiration. It is here where she sees Annie. She is instantly drawn to her and they instantly become friends. Even though the two come from different backgrounds they end up falling in love with one another. What will happen when people find out about their relationship?

This story was a great read and to know that the author is also part of the LGBT community just made me love it more. This would be a great read for YA readers who have questions about their sexuality or readers going through the same experience.


Here is a link to Nancy Garden's Bio: website

Nancy Garden's Annie on My Mind: Book trailer

Some other Titles by Nancy Garden:

Gephart,D.(2016).Lily and Dunkin. NY: Delacorte.

Lily and Dunkin has been a challenged/banned book. It has won awards such as the best book of the year NPR, and southern book fiction prize for juvenile literature. This book was a requirement to read for this course.

Timmy McGrother attends Gator Lake Middle school and is dealing with issues about his identity. His issue is Tim was born a boy, but feels like a girl named Lily Jo. His family is aware of how he feels about being a girl, but refuses to let him dress as a girl out in public. They are afraid that he will be bullied. Dunkin has recently moved from New Jersey and doesn't have any friends. He is also suffering from bipolar disorder and just wants to fit in with other kids and be normal.The two kids form a friendship that will help them get through tough times and make them stronger than ever.

I found this book interesting to read and feel that the age group it applies to fits perfectly. During middle school kids start to wonder about their identity and question who they are. I remember middle school being one of the toughest grades to be in, because kids can be so cruel and your body is going through many different changes. I find that having books that discuss these issues is good to have, because students who are going through these situations don't have to feel alone.

Donna Gephart web page

Donna Gephart talking about her book Lily and Dunkin

Donna Gephart's Lily and Dunkin book trailer

Some other Titles by Donna Gephart:

Harris, R. (2009). It's perfectly normal. Boston, MA: Candlewick Press

This book is considered highly controversial and is on the American Library Association's most challenged books. This book also won many awards such as: "notable book of the year", and the "century's best children's books."This book was requirement to read for this course.

It's perfectly Normal is an informative book about sex, sexual health and changing bodies. This books does not sugar coat any of the information that it talks about.The text is knowledgeable, to the point and accurate. The book provides pictures and diagrams and are provided for the reader to truly grasp the concepts. It's perfectly normal is separated into sections such as: What is sex?, Out bodies, puberty, families and babies, decisions and staying healthy.

This book handles sexual health and sexual issues while respecting the young readers that will use this book. This book provides up-to-date answers and explanations on contraceptives, STDs and puberty. I think this book does a great job of providing information and health facts that will truly benefit young people without treating them like children.

Robie H. Harris webpage

Robie H. Harris talking about her books.

Dad upset about the book It's Perfectly Normal

Some other Titles by Robie Harris:

Myers, W.D.(1999). Monster. NY: Harper

Monster has won the Coretta Scott King Honor Book, The Michael L. Printz award, the National book award finalist,and  the heartland award for excellence in YA literature finalist. This book was a requirement to read for this course.

Sixteen-year-old Steve Harmon faces trial for the pre-meditated murder of a drug store owner during a robbery. He is accused of being the lookout during the robbery and is looking at a possibility of spending 25 years to life in prison. As the trial begins both sides present evidence for their cases and it is hard to tell which way things will go. The defense does a good job creating reasonable doubt as we hear the testimony of the witness Steve. Steve is ultimately acquitted , but the questions about justice will remain.

While I was reading this book I could tell there were many themes present in this novel such as: racism, judicial equality, death, and justice.Even though this book was published in 1999 these are all very relevant topics right now, and therefore fit easily into the YA category.

Walter Dean Myers webpage

Monster book trailer

Walter Dean Myers talking about the book Monster

Some other Titles by Walter Dean Myers:

Ness,P. (2008). The knife of never letting go. Boston, MA:Candlewick Press

This book was a requirement to read for this course.

Todd lives on a colony in the New World called Perentisstown with his adopted parents Ben and Cillian. The community has no females. Todd is told that they all died from the germ that was spread to them from the alien race call the Speckle. The side effect from the germ is the Noise which is the constant thoughts heard aloud from all men and animals in this community. Todd discovers a hole or silence in the Noise. When this happens, he is forced to runaway while the entire town is chasing him. He soon finds out the silence is caused by a girl Viola and together they continue to run away while Todd discovers that everything he knew about his life and his world is a lie.

This is the first story in the Dystopian book series called Chaos Walking. The book is characterized as Dystopian for its controlling society and has other science fiction thoughts. At first I thought I was not going to like this book, but after reading it I was amazingly surprised and look forward to reading more books by Patrick Ness.

Patrick Ness webpage

The Knife of Never Letting Go book trailer

In Conversation with Patrick Ness

Some other Titles by Patrick Ness: