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:

Chapters 11- End

Chapter 11:  Realistic Fiction

Summary:

Realistic Fiction is sometimes know as contemporary realistic fiction  (CRF) or Modern Realistic Fiction (MRF), these stories are set in contemporary or modern times. Because they are realistic stories, they are easily believable– from the characters’ actions and speech to the setting.

Here is a list of criteria for evaluating Realistic Fiction for Children:

1. Is everything consistent with the real world in which contemporary kids live? Speech, behavior, and every element must be believable and reflect the contemporary world. When addressing this criteria, consider especially gender and cultural elements. We want to share realistic fiction that avoids stereotypes.

2. Is theme something that emerges from the plot? It should not be preachy. Good fiction contains more than one universal theme. Readers should understand the themes gradually through the unfolding plot.

3. Does the subject appeal to modern readers? How? Sensitive, contemporary issues are often the subject of Realistic Fictional books. Some topics include: death, sexual issues, family, etc. Some topics used to be socially taboo, but now anything and everything has been covered– even in YA Literature.

Reflection:

I find that one of the most important aspects of Realistic Fiction for YA is that students should be able to identify with the characters, setting, etc. I believe if a student can see themselves in the characters, they will want to keep reading. This will then promote literature, because the student is going to want to find the next book to read. A goal of mine as a librarian is to foster life– long readers. I would love to get reluctant readers hooked on Realistic Fiction . This would be a good way to get students reading just for pleasure.  In the classroom curriculum most books are chosen because they are classics and sometimes the students do not relate to them. I think students have to be turned on to pleasure reading, and reading what they can identify with. One of my favorite Realistic Fiction authors is John Green. Even as an adult I can still get lost reading any of his books. One of my favorite books is, The Fault in our Stars. I can defiantly see the value of Realistic fiction being a huge part of a library.

Chapter 12:  Nonfiction

Summary:

A wise man, Dr.Robert Small, stated, “nonfiction is the only kind of book defined by what it is not.” It is hard to say exactly what nonfiction is, mainly because it is such a broad genre. Several types of nonfiction are included: narrative, expository, biography, autobiography, and memoir. How can someone define all of that with one definition? There is some criteria that can be used to evaluate nonfiction. Betty Carter’s and Dick Abrahamson’s book, Nonfiction for Young Adults: from Delight to Wisdom, outlines several criteria for evaluating nonfiction.

Criteria to evaluate nonfiction:

1. Look for the writer’s credentials. Do some research-author websites, bios, backgrounds. What makes this author credible?

2. Are the facts accurate? We are not experts, so we have to take the author’s word. We can look at different books on the same subject and compare the facts presented. This is a great activity to show kids how to do research and weed out inaccurate information.

3. What is the book’s purpose and scope? Some books are very general in nature and contain a lot of information, while others are more focused. Some of this has to do not only with the nature of the book but the intended audience.

4. How does the book’s organization help the reader? Look for bibliographies, glossaries, illustration credits, tables of content, indexes, notes, etc. The reader should be able to find additional information about the book’s subject matter. The additional information included in the book reaffirms the author’s credentials.

5. What role do visuals play? Including pictures, charts, etc. in books where the information is dense or complicated can only help the reader understand the content. Sometimes we just need to see it before the information clicks in our mind.

Carter and Abrahamson can up with questions to ask students about Nonfiction.

Questions:

1. If the book was written in a different time period, how might the information be different?

2. What are your favorite illustrations from the book and which one do you wish you had created?

3. Could the book easily be made into a documentary?

4. Why do you think the author chose this subject to write about?

5. How would the book be different if it were written for a different audience?

6. Do you think the author would be a good teacher?

7. If you could interview the author, what would you ask?

8. What are three facts or events from the book that you liked?Why?

9. Do the title and cover art accurately represent the contents of the book?

10. Pick a book you liked and tell why you think a publishing company should publish this book. How would you persuade them to publish it?

Reflection:

A s a PK teacher I rarely use nonfiction books in the classroom, but I can see the importance of reading nonfiction books at any age. It is important to expose students of all ages and grades to various genres of books. I should not wait for my students to go to  High school before the are exposed to nonfiction. It is my job as a librarian to gather information and relate that information to my students no matter what age they are.

Chapter 13: Fantasy and Science Fiction

Summary:

Fantasy fiction is fiction where at least some aspect of the story is Unrealistic. Science Fiction falls under the genre of Fantasy. I did not know that. All of Sci-Fi is Fantasy, but not all Fantasy is Sci-Fi.

Here is the criteria for evaluating Science fiction and Fantasy for children:

1.  Despite the fantastic aspect of the story, characters must behave in consistence and believable ways.

2. There must still be rules for the fantasy world.

3. Authors must assist readers in the “willing suspension of disbelief”

4. The themes of the stories should explore universal truths.

Dr.Perry’s video Presentation:

There are different subcategories of Science Fiction

· Apocalyptic(during the end of civilization)/ Post-Apocalyptic (takes place after the  catastrophe)

· Punk– has multiple subject matter that falls under it. Cyberpunk, dieselpunk, steampunk, biopunk, fairypunk, etc.

· Dystopia– has been around for years and some believe that Gulliver’s Travels was actual the first novel of its kind. It hit big in the 2000s. The characteristics include: propaganda, figure head worshiped, citizens conforming, citizens under constant surveillance, seems like a perfect world but it isn’t, resistance against government, main character often joins the resistance to overthrow the government.

· Extra-Sensory Perceptions– the concept of second sight, ESP, telepathy, supernatural awareness, clairvoyance, knowing or seeing the future.

· Robots/Androids/Cyborgs/ Artificial Intelligence– complex and man things can fit into this category.

· Space/ Aliens/ Extra-terrestrials– multiple types of interactions with other beings can fall into this category: invasion, conspiracy, colonization, first contact, space opera, etc.

· Time travel/parallel universe– scientific method or theory used for traveling in time and or space (not related to magic).

· Virtual Reality/Gaming– the person is lost in a virtual world or game; a person has been manipulated into the world.

· Miscellaneous– these novels do not necessarily fall into the other criteria.

Dr.Perry published a book about how to guide a young adult on recommending and selecting sci fi books.

Reflection:

It is easy to forget the magnitude of subjects that fall under the fantasy genre umbrella. Science fiction which covers more subcategories than I first realized. I would defiantly purchased Dr. Perry’s book “ Sci Fi on the Fly” A reader’s Guide to Science Fiction for young adults.” This would be a great resource to help me find the right choices for students that are wanting to select sci fi books.

Chapter 14:  Graphic Novels

Summary:

Graphic novels are not a genre they are a form/format. Graphic novels can be history, fantasy, nonfiction, and all sub genre as well. In recent years they have grown in popularity with children and teens, and in past years (and by some even today) they were referred to as “comic books.” This is due to their comic like appearance while also resembling a novel in length as well as their writing in the method of a dialogue and narrative arrangement.

I click the first link but it took me to a home page of random house, but I put in a search for graphic novels guides and this website popped up: https://images.randomhouse.com/promo_image/9781524770952_5363.pdf

Here are some important elements of Graphic Novels:

1. Color can be used in a variety of ways in graphic novels. What might the colors symbolize?

2. Line is a component of the art in a graphic novel, and the direction of a line (horizontal, diagonal, vertical) can imply different things.

3. What is the placement of panels? Are they different sizes? Why are they placed this way?

4. What type of frames are used? Are all frames the same or are some different? If so, why? Does the artwork flow over the frames? How would things change with the story if the frames were removed?

5. Notice the speech balloons. Does the author separate the text from the illustrations? Does the author use black/white or color? How about the size of the words? How does the author show characters’ emotions? Is there any text other than speech?

6. What media is used? Are the illustrations done in watercolors or pencil?  Is the art considered cartoon art? Check out the illustrator credit to find out.  Is the illustrator’s work easily identifiable in other works?

Good basic information about GNs.

http://www.getgraphic.org/whatisagraphicnovel.php ( This link was not working)

Dr.Perry and Dr. Lesesne created a slide share on the benefits of Graphic novels

• Graphic Novels help promote literacy.
• · Graphic Novels are a great resource for teaching mood and tone.
• · Special needs students often benefit from Graphic Novels.
• · All elements of traditional literature are included in Graphic Novels.
• · Content-area literacy can be taught through Graphic Novels.
• · Graphic novels combine the best elements of novels, picture books, film and poetry.

This is a great resource for finding out the latest Graphic novels for YA readers.

https://www.alsc.ala.org/blog/2016/03/new-graphic-novels-reading-lists/  -

Dr. Perry and Dr.Lesesne created a video about Graphic Novels

The parts of a Graphic Novel are:

· caption–the words that go with an illustration.
· gutter–the area between the frames .
· panel–each framed story part.
· Thought balloon– a character’s thoughts.
· Dialog Balloon– a character’s words.
· Sound effect– visual sound cues.

Reflection:

Graphic novels are a big hit with YA readers. They are easy to read and are interesting to them. I find myself reading many different types of Graphic Novels. One of the Graphic Novels that I recently read and liked is New Kid by Jerry Craft. This book won the Newbery  Award. I can’t wait until I read my next Graphic Novel book.

Chapter 15:  Ten Questions to ask about a novel

Summary:

Richard Peck a YA author has created a list of ten questions you should ask about a novel.

Here is the list of the ten questions:

1. Imagine that the main character is the opposite sex. How would the story change? Asking this question dispels stereotypes.

2. Why is the story set in this particular place? Asking questions helps teach about setting.

3.If you were making a film of the story, would you want it to be black and white or color? Asking this question helps teach tone.

4. If you had to eliminate a character for a movie version, who would it be and why? Asking this question helps teach about simplification of elements in making movie. What is necessary to the story and what is not?

5. How are you and the main character different? Asking this question helps the reader develop empathy.

6. Would this story be a good TV series? Asking this question helps focus on chapters and sequence of events.

7. Has anything in the story happened to you? Asking questions helps the reader identify with a character.

8. After you read the first paragraph of the novel, what made you keep reading? Asking this question helps teach about using “hooks”.

9.Would you redesign the cover? Why? Asking questions helps teach about false advertising.

10.Does the title ring true to the book’s content? Asking this question helps teach about the difference between “ hooks” and symbolic titles.

Reflection:

Richard Peck’s questions help readers understand the reasons they feel a certain way about a novel they are reading. These ten questions also help explain some of the motives behind the author’s choices for the way they wrote their novel. Reasons such as: why they chose a certain male for the lead instead of a female and even the title of the novel. These questions are excellent for teachers and librarians to use in discussions with students about their feelings and thoughts on a novel.

Chapter 16:  Q & A with Ebony Elizabeth Thomas

Summary:

Ebony Elizabeth Thomas is an expert on children’s literature and she is saying we are needing more diverse books for our children.

Reflection:

After reading the interview with Ebony Thomas I would have to agree with her about the world being diverse but not having many books that reflect the diversity of our students. I need to make sure that when I ordering books that I need to make sure that they are appropriate and diverse.

Chapter 17: We Need Diverse Books

Summary:

WNDB goal is to create a world in which all children can see themselves in the pages of the book. This is a great organization that will help accomplish that goal.

Reflection:

The WNDB’s website is great. I love their mission and hope that many people will join and become members to make their mission come true. I would love to have a library that has many diverse books that students of all races/colors can see themselves in.

Chapter 18: A call to Action: What we know about adolescent literacy instruction

Summary:

The purpose of this website is to provide a research-based resource for media, policymakers, and teachers that acknowledges the complexities of reading as an ongoing, developmental process and addresses the needs of secondary readers and their teachers.

Reflection:

I loved reading this article and found that there are key actions to consider in adolescent readers such as: incorporation of disciplinary literacy instruction, integration of multiple and social literacies, orchestration of engagement and motivation, and appreciation of multicultural perspectives and cultures. This article will help me become a more effective teacher.

Chapter 19: Finding a “ good book” What a real readers advisor does

Summary:

A reader advisor is someone how helps a reader find a book they would like to read. It is actually considered an art form.

Reflection:

I did not know there was such a term as readers advisor. Now I am aware of this term. I am glad that I now know that there is a person that can help a reader find a book that will be of interest to them.

Chapter 20:  23 YA and Middle Grade books to honor Hispanic heritage month

Summary:

This website has a list of 25 YA and middle grade books that honor the Hispanic heritage month.

Reflection:

I am glad that people write articles about list like this because it  helps me as a teacher if I am looking for Title of books that have to deal with Hispanic heritage. It is sad to hear that the Trump administration is trying to remove DACA and harming the latinx community in the United States. On the list I saw a book that I loved reading it was titled The First rule of punk. I need to try to read this whole list.