Please post on your choice of reading in this category. Remember, you are reading like a media specialist, so it is not about your personal likes and dislikes. Include in your post:
a. Audience for whom the book is written
b. Audience to whom it will appeal (might differ from a)
c. Particular strengths of the book
d. Particular weaknesses of the book
e. Any special considerations (artwork, curriculum links, community values, beliefs espoused, etc.)
f. And, in School Library Journal's format: your verdict supported with details
No plot summaries and no spoliers, please. Failure to follow that rule will result the revocation of your authoring rights, guaranteed!!!
We Deserve Monuments by Jan S Hammonds
ReplyDeletea. 14 and up
b. For readers wanting to learn more or a part of the LGBTQ+ community and Black history in the south.
c. We Deserve Monuments protagonist is a great representation of a healthy family dynamic navigating the trials and tribulations of coming out, strong Black female characters, and the raw details of racism in the south.
d. Plot was stagnant and slow moving and the ending was anticlimactic.
e. We Deserve Monuments would be a great title to add to thematic book clubs centered around hidden truths of the world
f. A must purchase for all high school libraries, We Deserve Monuments opens a world where readers can explore important issues of identity, witness authentic generational trauma and healing, and modern-day racism. Each chapter will challenges readers to reexamine their own truths of themselves and the world around them.
It will be interesting to see if this book wins any awards from the ALA. Announcements are being made on Monday, January 30th.
ReplyDeleteTitle: Ride On
ReplyDeleteAuthor: Faith Erin Hicks
a. Intended audience: Ages 10-14
b. Likely audience: anyone who loves horses. Grades 4-7
c. Strengths: Each character gets their problem resolved in some way by the end of the book. Diverse characters.
d. Weaknesses: one friend is over the top, 0 to 60 on a dime, it was hard to get past that
e. Of Note: The author said she was a Horse Girl too
f. Verdict, supported with detail:
This graphic novel puts a spin on the friendship theme popular in middle grades by adding horses and cosplay. It is a quick, fun read, but it is difficult to create complex characters in the space provided. Perhaps this will turn into a series. The characters are illustrated diversely, and a few have non-European names. Verdict: purchase for middle grade libraries where friendship themed graphic novels are popular.
I'm planning on reading this one myself this semester. It seems like there aren't as many books about horseback riding as other sports and activites.
DeleteI read this one as well. It was a quick read for me, and I think my elementary students will love it.
DeleteI was curious about the publisher since you said you couldn't find the book anywhere. They are a boutique publisher out of New Mexico: https://ninestarpress.com/about-us/
ReplyDeleteThe Westing Game
ReplyDeleteEllen Raskin
a. Audience: grades 5-7
b. Audience to whom it will appeal: all ages. The book is meant for kids but not written for them. The POV varies from adults to children.
c. Strengths: multiple POV from adults and children. Has a murder-mystery that keeps you guessing throughout, right up to the end. Puzzle clues keep you engaged in the story.
d. Weaknesses: there's a fair amount of racism. One character, in particular, gets the brunt. She is a Chinese woman portrayed as angry at being in the US and trying to get back to China. There is no explanation for why she is in the US, seemingly against her will, barely anyone tries to communicate with her, and her husband is never shown talking to her. It's not until she learns English that she is taken seriously, and then she's not angry and wants to stay in the US.
e. Any special considerations: no special considerations
f. Verdict: I really, really loved this book! I would definitely keep it on my shelf and pick it up over and over to revisit. Each time I read it I fall in love with the ending again, when Turtle realizes the solution to the mystery and how it affects her life and every character's life as well. Of course, I cry at the ending as well, as it is so sweet and perfect.
Beth Robins
DeleteI really really loved this book too! If you get a chance, I would recommend the Mr. Lemoncello's books to Westing Game fans.
DeleteFrom Claire Torrey:
ReplyDeleteLike Real People Do by EL Massey
a. Audience for whom the book is written- Young adult (14 and up)
b. Audience to whom it will appeal (might differ from a)- Any adults, young or otherwise.
c. Particular strengths of the book- Turns the rom-com trope on its head. It is a fantastic read from beginning to end and shows a wonderful friendship that develops into love by the end (it’s a rom-com, that’s not a spoiler). From an antagonistic meeting, through apology dates, into a secure friendship, the two teenaged men (the protagonists are 18 and 19) in this book fight the toxic masculinity of professional hockey, the locker room, and the homophobic world to become first friends, then partners. It has representation of the Black-Latinx community, as well as a main character with a TBI that resulted in a seizure disorder.
d. Particular weaknesses of the book- It has to end! No, but in all seriousness, this book is not available through any of the typical school order sites. I couldn’t find it on Titlewave or Mackin. I heard about it through a connection with the author on social media due to a shared interest in a webcomic.
e. Any special considerations (artwork, curriculum links, community values, beliefs espoused, etc.) – This is a book about a homosexual relationship, an unfortunately touchy subject in today’s world.
f. And, in School Library Journal's format: your verdict supported with details: Besides being a sweet story, Like Real People Do turns toxic masculinity on its head, drop kicks it, and sends it to the moon. Professional hockey players are not known for their acceptance of queer culture. Some use the f-slur as a common pejorative on the ice and are rarely disciplined. There is one NHL prospect who has come out, but still no one on an active roster. That prospect was traded to another team not long after coming out. Homophobia is rampant in professional men’s sports in general. This book takes a man hiding himself and resolved to live a lonely life until his retirement, and creates a world where his teammates care more about him than who he loves, accepts who he loves, and defends them against negative publicity. It is a book that would appeal to any kid playing hockey, any gay kid, any black kid, any Hispanic kid, and anyone who calls themselves an ally to the LGBTQ community. It is a must have book for any high school library.
Thank you for this recommendation! As a mom of a young hockey player, this one hit my heart a little differently, and I will be sharing it with him when he is a bit older.I quickly became emotionally attached to the characters just as if they were part of my son's teams, and they instantly became my boys! I can't wait for more in this series!!
DeleteThank you for sharing about this book Claire, I hope it receives wider distribution soon.
DeleteI Kissed Shara Wheeler
ReplyDeleteBy: Casey McQuiston
a. Audience for whom the book is written: 13+
b. Audience to whom it will appeal (might differ from a) older teens,
c. Particular strengths of the book: lots of positive diversity in the LGBTQIA characters,
d. Particular weaknesses of the book:
e. Any special considerations (artwork, curriculum links, community values, beliefs espoused, etc.)
f. And, in School Library Journal's format: your verdict supported with details
Chloe Green has been making her way through Willowgrove Christian Academy with one goal in mind: valedictorian. She works hard and tries her best to stay out of the way of the gossip and the ultra-conservative rules while pushing the limits to the edge in all the little ways she can. She finds her group in the Quiz Bowl and the drama group, but her main competition for valedictorian is Shara Wheeler. Shara Wheeler is the golden child of the school, the town, maybe even the state. Everyone knows her, and everyone loves her. One month before graduation, Shara kisses Chole and disappears without a trace….until notes start showing up. Chloe, Shara’s boyfriend Smith, and their friend Rory are lead on quest to figure out where Shara is while discovering more about Shara’s true self. The journey also leads them on a journey of self-discovery of friendship, identity, sexuality, growing up, BIG feelings, and love.
I Kissed Shara Wheeler is a great addition to the middle school and high school libraries for a fun, sharp witted mystery that will keep readers engaged and entertained.
This book won the Stonewall Honor this year.
DeleteFence, volume 1 (graphic novel)
ReplyDeleteby C.S. Pacat
a. Audience for whom the book is written: 12-17 years
b. Audience to whom it will appeal (might differ from a): sports fans, graphic novel fans
c. Particular strengths of the book: Fence combines a classic underdog sports story with dynamic art, a slow-burn rivals-to-lovers romance, and the fascinating sport of fencing--while remaining accessible to readers who are novices to either fencing or graphic novels. The story itself is fun and engaging while also touching on relatable but heavy topics such as family drama.
d. Particular weaknesses of the book: As this very short graphic novel volume is part of a larger series, it may be difficult for school libraries to purchase and maintain the entire set. The series is ongoing, which may mean a long wait for readers between the release of new volumes.
e. Any special considerations (artwork, curriculum links, community values, beliefs espoused, etc.):
f. Verdict: Featuring diverse characters, engaging artwork, and a joyfully queer sports story, this would be a good purchase for schools with a large population of sports fans and/or a lot of graphic novel readers. Fence would pair well with "Check, Please!" and "Heartstopper."
I'm always glad to hear about books that highlight sports beyond what is common.
DeleteI Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston
ReplyDeletea. Audience for whom the book is written: 13-18
b. Audience to whom it will appeal: 13+
c. Particular strengths of the book: This book contains great representation of the LGBTQIA+ community. The characters are strongly developed and relatable, especially the main character Chloe.
d. Particular weaknesses of the book: It's hard to believe that Shara disappeared for a month without her parents filing a missing persons report. The hunt for Shara also gets a bit long.
e. Any special considerations: Characters struggling with their identities; setting is a very conservative small town in Alabama.
f. Verdict: This romance novel takes us on a search for Shara Wheeler, the girl who kissed Chloe, and two boys (stoner Rory and football star Smith, who used to be best friends) before she disappeared. Shara leaves behind clues to her whereabouts in pink cards that she has hidden all over the small, conservative town of False Beach, Alabama. As Chloe and the boys work to uncover the mystery of where Shara has disappeared to, we are introduced to a wide variety of diverse characters. A book filled with romance, humor, friendship, and mystery - I Kissed Shara Wheeler is a good purchase for middle school, high school and public libraries.
We are going to talk about in class tonight how characterization needs to be realistic and plots need to be compelling.
Delete96 Miles by J.L. Esplin
ReplyDeletea. Audience for whom the book is written: 8-12 years
b. Audience to whom it will appeal (might differ from a.) This age range seems appropriate. However, it could appeal to slightly older readers, due to the suspenseful nature of the story.
c. Particular strengths of the book: This story is about a sweeping power outage and the impact it has on a young boy and his brother. The author does an excellent job of creating tension and suspense, making this book a page-turner, difficult to put down.
d. Particular weaknesses of the book: There is mention of violence: a character is robbed at gunpoint, physical fighting, threats. While these elements are presented in a way that still feels age-appropriate, it could be scary to some younger readers.
e. Any special considerations (artwork, curriculum links, community values, beliefs
espoused, etc.). In this book, there are unsupervised children, and lawlessness. The children justify stealing and destruction of property for survival’s sake. Diabetes and related complications play a role in this novel.
f. And, in the School Library Journal’s tradition: In a day and age in which students are so reliant on electricity to recharge their devices, this suspenseful story about a prolonged power outage could really spark imagination and thought into “what if”! Readers who love a suspenseful page-turner will enjoy imagining themselves in this story of survival, responsibility, and brotherhood. Buy this book for the tech-addicted, adventure seekers for may enjoy reading about a child, like him/herself, stuck in the nightmarish scenario of zero electricity and having to do unimaginable things to survive!
It's really amazing how many awards this book has won!
Delete96 Miles by J.L. Esplin
ReplyDeletea. Audience for whom the book is written: 8-12 years
b. Audience to whom it will appeal (might differ from a.) 8-12
c. Particular strengths of the book: Great use of cliffhangers at the end of chapters to keep the reader engaged.
d. Particular weaknesses of the book: The reason for the blackout is never explicitly stated. While the ending wraps the story up nicely, this piece left me feeling frustrated.
e. Any special considerations (artwork, curriculum links, community values, beliefs
espoused, etc.). Great exposure to diabetes and juvenile diabetic care
f. And, in the School Library Journal’s tradition: Imagine a world where there is a potentially nation-wide power outage. What would you do if all you wanted to do was survive? A perfect story for survival adventurers who want an action-packed story full of off-the- cuff decision making.
This is a current Maud Hart Lovelace Division II nominee.
DeleteTumble by Celia C. Perez
ReplyDeletea. Written for 9-12 year olds
b. Would appeal to elementary or middle school readers
c. Strengths: a beautiful story about identity, family history and the wrestling culture of Latin American Luchadores. The way Perez portrays Addie’s journey in navigating her changing familial relationships, and desire to find her birth father felt very honest. The story moved along at a good pace.
d. Weaknesses: the story’s ending seemed a bit abrupt and anticlimactic.
e. Special Considerations: 2023 Pura Belpre author honor book, a variety of topics covered- including adoption, an absent father, student activism
f. Verdict: Tumble is a wonderful story about a young girl named Addie who is in search of more information about her birth father before she can decide if she wants her step father to adopt her. After her mother refuses to share any information, Addie takes matters into her own hands and finds an entire extended family she knew nothing about, as well as their connection to the popular wrestling culture in New Mexico. The story is sweet and engaging, and a must read middle grade novel!
Does this book have pictures? The cover is beautiful!
DeleteRide On by Faith Erin Hicks
ReplyDeletea. Intended audience is middle school, ages 10-14 (appx. grades 5-8)
b. Appeals to the intended audience plus a few older students (perhaps through grade 10). I think this book will be more popular with girls than boys.
c. Strengths: Lovely full-color illustrations; diverse characters who are all friends; features horses (a love of many students in this age range); each character has a unique situation to overcome and the friends help each other work through the dilemma.
d. Weaknesses: No weaknesses I can come up with! It is a really good book.
e. Special considerations: Starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist, and School Library Journal. Positive reviews in Horn Book Magazine and Kirkus Reviews
f. Verdict: Victoria loves riding horses, but she doesn’t love competing. This causes a rift in her friendship with her best friend, and as a result, Victoria switches riding stables, where she encounters a new group of horse lovers and a new set of interpersonal relationship struggles. This sweet graphic novel presents Victoria’s struggles in an empathetic way and readers can’t help but root for this diverse cast of characters, all of whom are struggling with their own challenges. Bottom line: Horseback riding + friendship = a book that most upper elementary/middle school girls will enjoy.
I put this book on the list (and read it myself) in part because I don't think horseback riding is often represented in the sports category.
DeleteAudience for whom the book is written: High school students
ReplyDeleteAudience to whom it will appeal: High school students
Particular strengths of the book: Lots of insight into Ojibwe culture, fast-paced and engaging
Particular weaknesses of the book: Little bit like a soap opera with non-stop drama
Special considerations: Printz award, Edgars Award, William C Morris Award, American Indian Youth Literature Award, The Josette Frank Award, Walter Dean Myers Award
School Library Journal Review: (10th Grade +)--This fast-paced mystery follows Daunis, a recent high-school graduate as she gets thrown into a drug investigation after her best friend is murdered. Additionally, she is trying to understand her own identity being ½ white and ½ Ojibwe, but not an official member of the tribe due to a scandal that plagued her parents. She becomes romantically involved with her brother’s new friend and has to make tough decisions after she learns more about him. Highly recommended for high school students. The book deals with violence against native women, drug addiction, racism and sex.
You read Firekeeper's Daughter! It was the author's first book and won so many awards!
DeleteHollow Fires by Samira Ahmed
ReplyDeletea. Audience for whom the book is written: 12+
b. Audience to whom it will appeal (might differ from a): 12+, true crime fans, Islamic students, thriller/mystery readers
c. Particular strengths of the book: Page turner, heartbreaking narrative, alternating points of view mixed in with news articles and transcripts, real examples of racism and Islamophobia
d. Particular weaknesses of the book: teens seem older than they really are, somewhat predictable
e. Any special considerations (artwork, curriculum links, community values, beliefs espoused, etc.): Could be triggering to Islamic people as some of this was very hard to read with racist/violent slurs and acts. Family values are strong, especially for the immigrant families shown.
f. And, in School Library Journal's format: your verdict supported with details: This murder mystery page turner is a great addition to your mystery shelves. Ahmed shows what racism can do in this magical realism book told through two points of view - one living, one dead. This book keeps you on the edge of your seat as you follow Safiya while she tries to solve Jawad's senseless murder.
You mention this book would appeal to fans of true crime. Is the story based on real events?
DeleteNothing More to Tell by Karen M. McManus
ReplyDeletea. Audience for whom the book is written: Grades 9-12 ages 13+
b. Audience to whom it will appeal (might differ from a): This book would appeal to students who like a good who-done-it novel. Adults would also enjoy this book. I feel like it primarily would appeal to high school girls, but I can see the boys enjoying this one too.
c. Particular strengths of the book: This book keeps the reader guessing to try to figure out who committed the crime. Just when you think you've got it figured out the author adds a twist or a bit more information to keep you second guessing yourself.
d. Particular weaknesses of the book: There are a lot of characters in this story and it can be a little tricky to figure out who is who and keep everybody straight as you read. The end doesn't completely resolve. It's almost like the author leaves the possibility of a squeal.
e. Any special considerations (artwork, curriculum links, community values, beliefs espoused, etc.): A New York Times, USA Today, ABA IndieBound, and international bestseller. A 2022 Goodreads Choice Awards Nominee. A 2022 Amazon Best Book of the Year. This book contains teenagers drinking at a party and there is an episode of one of the characters going on an bender, skips school and consumes excessive amounts of alcohol.
f. And, in School Library Journal's format: your verdict supported with details: This is ultimately a teen crime drama, but it also addresses a lot about friendship and family relationships. it contains a long term friendship that is severed, repaired and then turns romantic. There are many themes to this one story, action, mystery, suspense, romance, and drama. It is a well rounded story that should be in every high school library. I would also be ok with recommending it to 8th grade and possibly even 7th. I would hesitate to put in in my middle school library due to the excessive alcohol consumption.
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library
ReplyDeletea. Audience for whom the book is written: Grades 3-7
b. Audience to whom it will appeal (might differ from a): I would say grades 5-8 would most enjoy this book although the writing is simpler the plot has a lot going on, those a fan of the Mr. Lemoncello's library series, those who enjoy games and puzzles would especially enjoy this
c. Particular strengths of the book: Very fast paced and a lot going on, creates a very descriptive and vivid world, strong theme
d. Particular weaknesses of the book: a lot of information to keep track of with characters and plot and clues, a lot of cultural references especially to other books and authors that readers may be unfamiliar with
e. Any special considerations (artwork, curriculum links, community values, beliefs espoused, etc.): interactive, some of the puzzles are included in the book so that you can stop and solve them before reading on, the end of the book reveals there is one puzzle in the book but not the story and the story has a clue about how to find and solve it, you can email the author with the answer
f. And, in School Library Journal's format: your verdict supported with details: 12 12-year-olds are selected to spend the night in the city's new library only to find out they've been locked in and there is a prize for the person who can escape. A story full of nonstop puzzles, games, and adventure, this book gives the reader's brain a workout! Each player has their own motivations and interests, and many lessons are learned along the way. Given the amount of information packed into this book, this would be a great read for a class to do together so they could work on the puzzles and keep track of the storyline as they go.
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library is written by Chris Grabenstein
DeletePrairie Lotus- Linda Sue Park
ReplyDeleteA. the audience for whom the book is written
Grades 5-7
B. Audience to whom it will appeal
Grades 4-8
C. Particular strengths of the book:
Set during the time of frontier expansion, this book offers the point of view of a half-Chinese girl. It shows the racist beliefs that were held at the time and how they affected the main character. A great change of perspective for the Western genre.
D. Particular weaknesses of the book:
Father does not show much support for his daughter. He is afraid to stand up for her and is afraid to support her.
E. Special considerations: Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature Honor, 2021
F. Verdict: A stunning comparison to be used with or to replace The Little House on the Prairie. The setting and circumstances of the book are a great teachable lesson. Wonderful addition to a middle-grade library.