Posts Tagged ‘book response’
Keisha has finally made it to her senior year, and she hopes things are finally looking up. She is still haunted by the suicide of her ex-boyfriend Andy and the death of their friend Robby (Tears of a Tiger), but her friends, old and new, help her get through and thrive. Rhonda and Tyrone fall more in love. Gerald (Forged by Fire) has a serious crush on the new girl Jalani. Little sisters Joyelle/Kiara and Angel are finally freshmen.
Then there is Jonathan Hathaway, the twenty-three-year-old track coach and principal’s son. He is a “lemon drop wrapped in licorice” whose interest in Keisah has her feeling more like a college woman than a high school girl. Their secret relationship eventually takes a frightening turn, and Keisha must learn to lean on her friends to find her way out of the darkness and back to the light.
I first learned of Sharon Draper when several students–all boys who didn’t like to read–brought me a copy of Forged by Fire and whispered, “This is the best book. You have to read it.” They were right, and many students since then have read and enjoyed their first book with one of Draper’s titles. Darkness Before Dawn (Simon Pulse, 2001) will not disappoint those fans.
There are many things to love in this book: the hope that life goes on after tragedy is a powerful message. The characters are relatable and believable, down the the smallest appearance. My favorite character is Edna, the homeless woman who appears twice in the novel. Despite her brief role, she causes me to stop and look–to really see–the person she is and not just the caricature of a homeless person.
Which Sharon Draper book or character is your favorite?
Who knew that writing about the zombie apocalypse could be so beautiful? I should have known. I’ve been hearing about this book–nothing but good things–for a long time. Thanks to one of my students, Mistina, I moved this one to the top of my pile to read over spring break.
Carrie Ryan creates a world that is both beautiful and terrifying in The Forest of Hands and Teeth (Delacorte Press, 2009) . Mary lives in a village that is bound by both the fence that surrounds it and by the Sisterhood that guards its secrets. Outside the fence roam the living dead, zombies that endlessly hunger for human flesh. Inside the sisterhood lurk secrets that the sisters would kill to protect.
Within this world, Mary is torn by the choices she must make: between the one she loves and the one who loves her, between the freedom she yearns for and the commitments she is expected to honor. Once the unthinkable happens–the Unconcecrated breach the fence–she must confront the Forest in order to claim her life.
I love how Mary’s yearning weaves through every page of this novel. I stand with her at the fence, wondering if there is any other life out there. The mysteries are never completely revealed, but the action keeps Mary and me moving forward to life and hope.
I may have come to this one late, but I will be ready to devour the next one, The Dead Tossed Waves and the next one, The Dark and Hollow Places (available March 22). You can even see Carrie herself when she’s on tour. Here’s the closest she’ll be to us:
Sunday, March 27, 2011 at 1:00 PM
Cincinnati, OH
Joseph Beth Booksellers
2692 Madison Road
Cincinnati OH 45208
(513) 396-8960
What a great way to end spring break!
(Picture from Titlewave)
Sometimes young adult books address hard topics–drugs and alcohol, abuse and crime, eating disorders and cutting. Some of my students face this same hard stuff in their own lives. Sometimes when the right books drops into the hands of the right student, something powerful can happen as a book offers a lifeline. A student discovers that “I am not alone.” A student realizes that “someone gets where I’m coming from.” A student gains empathy and understanding for others.
I received three of these books last week. It all started when an adult complained to a library about Scars by Cheryl Rainfield and asked the library to remove it from their collection. To show support for Cheryl, another author, Beth Felbaum, hosted a giveaway of two books–Rainfield’s Scars and Fehlbaum’s Hope in Patience. I won the contest, and Beth was gracious enough to send me her first book, Courage in Patience, as well. They came in the mail last week, and once I started, I couldn’t put them down. I devoured one a day until I turned the last page. I want to share them with you. All three are powerful, intense stories.
Kendra is haunted by her hidden memories of sexual abuse. Through counseling, she is remember the crimes committed against her, but she can never see her abuser’s face. As the memories become stronger, so does the danger she is in. Her abuser is following her–threatening to kill her if she remembers and tells. Even though her mom is afraid to confront the truth, Kendra finds support from a variety of people: her counselor Carolyn, family friend Sandy, art teacher Mrs. Archer, and new friend Meghan. A gifted artist, Kendra paints the truth in her pictures. When everything gets to be too much, Kendra turns to cutting her arms to relieve the pain.
I meant to save Scars (WestSide Books, 2010) to read over Spring Break, but once I peeked at the first few pages, I couldn’t put it down. I read it straight through that evening. Cheryl Rainfield weaves tension through every page. Kendra jumps at every sound and constantly looks over her shoulder. The terror increases as the hidden abuser draws closer and closer right until the dramatic revelation. Even though Rainfield gives a close look at the devestation sexual abuse can cause, I found this to be a hopeful book in the end. Kendra is strong. She will inspire and give hope to readers that they can survive their tragegies, too.
Both Courage in Patience (Kunati, 2008) and Hope in Patience (WestSide Books, 2010) by Beth Fehlbaum tell the story of Ashley Asher. After years of escalating abuse by her stepfather, Ashley finally finds the courage (through the support of her theater teacher) to tell her mother what has been going on. Instead of providing safety and support, Ashley’s mother turns away and blames Ashley for destroying their family. Ashley begins a new life with the father she never knew (her parents divorced when she was a baby, and her father never made contact except for child support payments) and his new family. Unlike Ashley’s mother, her dad and stepmom are eager to build new relationships that provide safety and support. With their love and the work of a therapist, Ashley begins the difficult task of rebuilding her life.
Like a good Chris Crutcher novel, Beth Fehlbaum packs much into these two books: sexual abuse and survival and recovery are front and center, but she also tackles racism, religious bigotry, violence, censorship (of a Chris Crutcher novel, no less), homophobia, and the power of a dedicated teacher.
I found all three of these novel compelling reading. I am grateful that my parents were able to love and support me. I hurt for those children whose parents hurt instead of help them. I hope that each of them can find the support to grow and thrive. Just maybe, these books can help them feel less isolated point the way to adults who care.
What books have inspired you to make a difference in your life?
Danny Walker must once again prove his stuff on the basketball court. Even though he may be the shortest guy out there, he has “the eye” and knows more about the game than anyone else. After being cut from the travel team and forming his own team of “rejects,” Danny led his team of underdogs to the national championship in Travel Team. Mike Lupica continues Danny’s story with Summer Ball (Puffin Books, 2007).
Now that he is at the prestigious Right Way Basketball Camp run by Josh Cameron, he’s not so sure he has what it takes to play with the big guys. Due to a computer mix-up, he’s stuck in a cabin with the ten to twelve year old campers. His coach, Ed Powers hates him because of past history with his dad. His biggest rival from the championship game, Rasheed, is on the same team and is out to get Danny, along with his bigger, badder friend Lamar. At least Danny has Will and Ty to lean on, but things are just not the same with Tess since tennis superstar Scott came to town.
Now instead of loving a summer of nonstop basketball, Danny questions if he even belongs here anymore. Fans of Lupica’s other sports books will enjoy this one. There is plenty of conflict both on and off the basketball court as the underdogs fight to prove their stuff.
What is your favorite basketball or underdog sports story?
Rosemary Patterson’s life is topsy-turvey the year she enters sixth grade. Her elementary school is closing for good. She’ll start 6th grade at Robertson as one of the first African American students to enroll at the previously all white school. Her best friend, JJ Stenson, was her only classmate going to Roberson with her until he comes down with polio over the summer. Now Rosemary must face the first day of school alone. The only other student she knows is Grace the Tastelss Hamilton, whose family makes no secret of their prejudices. Once at school, Rosemary has to deal with the whispers and stares. Much to her surprise, she learns that Grace is just as disliked as she is, and the two girls forge an unlikely friendship.
At home, life turns upside down, too. Rosemary rescues a kitten from the railroad tracks where it lost a leg. The kitten miraculously recovers, but there is no miracle to make her parents fall back in love. The constant bickering between them only stops when Rosemary’s father moves into two rooms over his garage.
I enjoyed this trip back in time. McKissack brings the struggles of the 1950’s to life through a child’s eyes. Rosemary faces the challenges in her life with courage and humor. Each time she faces prejudice (such as Mr. Keggley, who is is sure that Rosemary needs remedial classes and awards her a gift certificate to a whites only restaurant for her second place finish in the spelling bee), she is bouyed by the support of many others ( including her teacher Mrs. Denapolis, who makes TOLERANCE the word of the year).
I seem to be revisiting the 1950’s (and 1960’s) frequently in my reading this year. What decade would you like to visit?
Josh turns thirteen, and you know what that means. His parents are a complete embarrassment. Mom’s not too bad, but she sends Josh to live with his dad in Chicago so she can look after Grandma in Florida. Josh should have known it would be bad when he saw his dad’s new look–jet-black hair, thick sideburns, and a Hawaiian shirt with orange parrots. The news just gets worse. After losing his job as a shoe salesman, Josh’s dad is starting a new career as an Elvis impersonator complete with jiggling legs and swaying hips. Doesn’t he know that he is about to ruin Josh’s life?
All Josh wants is to fit in with the right crowd at his new middle school. A single homerun in gym class gets him an invitation to sit at the table by the vending machines with the cool guys. Only a few things stand in his way from keeping his new-found popularity. One is Ivory, the daughter of his dad’s new girlfriend. The other is an invitation for his dad to perform–as Elvis–at a fifties concert at his school. It is time for Josh to take control with desperate measures. Is there any way for him to get out of this mes withouth hurting anyone? Probably not.
I agree with Ivory’s assessment of Josh: “It’s always about you.” In spite of Josh’s self-absortion, he is a likeable character. His unspoken notes to himself and various characters–mainly his dad–add humor to the story. In the end, Josh learns something about himself and his dad and friendship–all thanks to the King. I enjoyed the quotes from Elvis’s hits that begin each chapter. All that was missing is the soundtrack. Reader’s will have to provide that for themselves as they dance their way through All Shook Up (Alfred P. Knopf) by Shelley Pearsall.
What would you do if your dad decided to become Elvis?
*Image of book cover from Titlewave.
Magic and love are laced with blood and hidden behind masks in Blood Magic (Random House) by Tessa Gratton. I’ve been waiting not-so-patiently to get my hands on it ever since I learned I won a copy of the ARC from The Merry Sisters of Fate. (If you haven’t browsed the short stories there, go now–at least once you finish reading this review.) It arrived in my mailbox on Monday, and I can’t wait to share it.
Silla Kennicott is at once strong and vulnerable. She is haunted by her past–both the one she knows about and the one she is about to discover. Just after her parents’ gruesome deaths, she receives a book from The Deacon. The book is written in her dead father’s handwriting and contains notes and spells for creating magic. Just as she performs her first spell in the cemetery, the new next door neighbor, Nicholas Pardee, comes up. Whether or not Nicholas saw what he thought he saw, he has secrets of his own to keep. Silla is not his first encounter with magic or tragedy. Nicholas, Silla and her brother Reese work together to explore the blood magic their father had kept hidden from them. Their exhileration soon turns to doubt as they question just who Robert Kennicott was. Do they dare to claim the magic that runs in their blood?
There are so many things I love about this book:
- The opening lines: Click here to see Tessa perform Chapter 1. The beginning of Chapter 2 also grabbed me: “It is impossible to know who you really are until you spend time alone in a cemetery.”
- Silla: She is both strong and vulnerable, not to mention smart and determined.
- Nicholas: A big-city baddie (not to mention incredibly cute) stuck in a small-town still life. I loved his sarcastic edge, but don’t try it in class.
- Reese: I always wanted a big brother, and Reese would be perfect–strong and stubborn while always looking out for Silla. Will he punch Nicholas?
- The alternating points of view: Silla and Nicholas never repeat each other’s stories. Instead the alternating points of view rush the story ever closer to danger as they realize the secrets of their past will either draw them closer or drive them apart. Then Josephine’s voice from the past menaces the present. How soon will you figure out who she is?
- The theater masks: Not only do these masks line the walls of Silla’s room, they provide her strength and courage and a place to hide throughout the story.
- The language: Entire sections just blew me away. I keep dipping back into the book now that I’m finished just to enjoy the way the words dance across my mind as I read them over.
This is an intense book, not for everyone. Does it sound like something you want to read? If you dare, let me know what you like about it.
*Image of book cover from Titlewave.
All Josie wants is to fit in. She hates walking into Room 204 for Special Ed, but her cerebral palsy makes her stick out at middle school where taunts follow her down the hallway and on the bus. At home, her single mom is as demanding of Josie as she is herself. Grandma doesn’t mind sharing her opinion. Their once prosperous family farm has shrunk to not much more than a garden plot.
Then Jordan moves into one of the new mansions nearby and walks into Josie’s life. A bit different himself, he sees past Josie’s differences to a friend.
Short poems, spoken in Josie’s voice, reveal Josie’s life one glimpse at a time. I enjoyed this quiet, moving story. The short lines of poetry make for a quick read. The vivid imagery and haunting emotion reveal Josie’s desire to belong and the growth she shares with her family and Jordan. I think you will like Reaching for Sun (Bloomsbury Children’s Books) by Tracie Vaughn Zimmer if you are looking for a believable character you can relate to.
Oh. My. Word. If you dare to pick up this book and read, hang on for the ride of your life. Shipbreaker by Paolo Bacigalupi is packed with action and adventure, danger and violence, friendship and betrayl from the very first page.
Nailor works as part of a light crew on the ravaged Gulf Coast. He struggles to meet quota every day as he scavenges copper wiring from the wreckd ships that litter the coastline. It is brutal work in a brutal world where it is hard to know who to trust. Certainly not his father, whose violence escalates whenever he is sliding high on liquor and drugs. Certainly not the weather with its regular “city killer” hurricanes that wipe clean Bright Sands Beach.
It is one of these hurricanes, though, that brings Nailer his lucky break. A clipper ship, one of the sleek ships of the wealthy, crashes off an island. Will Nailer kill the sole survivor–a swank girl–who is wearing more wealth that he has ever seen, or will he gamble to rescue her and return her to her people in hopes of even more reward? Once Nailer makes his decision, the danger in his life increases ten-fold. He must make instant decisions about who to trust and where to go. Any mistake will lead to sure death–if he’s lucky. Along the way he learns that the “civilized” wealthy are just as brutal as the gangs that roam the ship breaker’s beaches.
I love how Bacigalupi slowly reveals the devestation caused by global warming in this future dystopia. The ramifications of rising seas–cities sunk beneath the waves, New Orleans completely swamped, the desperate hunt for scrap metal and oil–become dangers that haunt this world. Rather than slowing down the pace, these details egg it on even faster.
Ship Breaker is one of the Top 10 books for Best Fiction for Young Adults 2011 (by the YASLA). Check out the rest of the list, too. It is also named as a National Book Award Finalist, the 2011 Michael J Prinz Award winner, and a 2011 Notable Children’s book.
Run to your nearest bookstore or library and get you hands on this book–if you dare.
Maggie Fortini loves baseball, especially her beloved Brooklyn Dodgers. When she’s not hanging out with her best friend Treecie, she hangs out with the guys–and the dog Charky–down at the firehouse where her father used to work. Her new friend Jim (even though he is a New York Giants fan) teaches her to keep score of every pitch, hit and run. Maggie hopes keeping score will give the Dodgers just enough to finally win the pennant race and the World Series, but her hopes are dashed year after year. Then Jim is called up to serve in Korea and stops answering her letters. Do her hope and prayers mean anything at all? Maybe, maybe not. Even though life does not always work out the way we want, Maggie learns that “hope is what gets everything started. When you make plans, it’s because you hope something good is going to happen. Hope always comes first” (Parks 189).
I’m not a big baseball fan and had no idea what keeping score was all about, but I couldn’t help but join Maggie as she cheered on her Brooklyn Dodgers. Even I have heard of Jackie Robinison who played with the Dodgers (Maggie’s one and only team) and of Willie Mays (Maggie’s favorite player) who played with the New York Giants. With Keeping Score (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) Park captures America’s favorite pasttime and more with this heartfelt look at faith and life. Take it from me, you don’t have to be a baseball fan to enjoy this book.
Since spring is coming, what are some of your favorite baseball stories?
Picture from Titlewave
