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!!!
Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
ReplyDeletea. Audience for whom the book is written- Young Adults: Age 14 and up.
b. Audience to whom it will appeal (might differ from a)- Teenagers and adults
c. Particular strengths of the book- A realistic look at life as a gay teen in a small town in the south. The epistolary nature of every other chapter gives us insight to the characters in a charming way. The connection between “Jacques” and “Blue” as pen pals gives clues as to the identity of the Blue as we go through.
d. Particular weaknesses of the book- The play for sympathy for the primary antagonist was too much for me. I was very frustrated at the attempt of a redemption arc. Not every villain is redeemable.
e. Any special considerations (artwork, curriculum links, community values, beliefs espoused, etc.) – This book is on the Krause list of 800 books being banned by the Texas government due to profanity and mentions of homosexuality. That list has been shared widely and many Minnesota conservatives are using it to challenge books here.
f. And, in School Library Journal's format: your verdict supported with details: Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda is an adorable, timely novel that is needed in for our kids. It is a sliding glass door into the life of a closeted, scared gay boy who has fallen in love for the first time. There are laugh-out-loud funny moments, as well as realistic scary feelings, and emotionally charged scenes of all varieties. A must-have book for any YA library.
I appreciate your reference to Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop's concept of "Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors." I believe this has also been made into a movie called Love, Simon.
DeleteSome Places More Than Others by Renee Watson
ReplyDeletea. 8-12 years
b. Middle to high school age students, particularly BIPOC students and girls
c. This book focuses on a middle class Black family where dad works for NIKE, which can be a nice change from “BIPOC in traumatic situation” tropes. The sneaker talk will hold student interest. Main character does well in school and is working on a school project to tell the story of someone/something. Her goal is to travel with her dad to Harlem on a work trip so that she can learn more about her family. She wants to meet a grandpa whom she has never met.
d. Female protagonist, Amara, may disengage boy readers. Lots of historical references to Harlem, which may disinterest some.
e. There are pieces of family loss and heartache, which will be hard for estranged families with generational trauma. All is healed in the end. The project that Amara is assigned could work well as an actual project in the classroom researching an artifact important to your family. Amara learns that her dad wrote poetry and that wasn’t accepted as a Black boy when growing up.
f. “Everything and everyone has a story” Heartwarming journey about what it means to know where you come from in order to know where you’re going. Blending culture and history driven by a school assignment. A great addition for any Renee Watson fans who are looking to add a healing, positive female-driven BIPOC title to their library.
You will find that Piecing Me Together is on the reading list this semester. It's not her newest title, but she won the Newbery Honor for it.
DeleteIt is nice to find BIPOC books without the traumatic situation tropes. Otherwise that is the only image, aka possibility, students will see in our libraries.
DeleteConcrete Rose by Angie Thomas
ReplyDeletea. 14 and up
b. Upper middle school and high school students; Young adult
c. This book focuses on very real experiences of teens and ones who live in oppressed communities. Concrete Rose allows readers to step into a world where a teen named Maverick demonstrates a person's ability to find light even in the darkest of moments and determined to grow from his choices.
d. Stereotype of Black families and communities
e. Concrete Rose is a beautiful representation of someone who is not a product of their environment. That even when a community from the outside may look like it's "failing" its' people (i.e gangs, lack of resources, drugs) , there are many "roses" within the community working hard to life its people.
f. Perfect for the upper and high school library, Concrete Rose is will be a window that shares the beauty and hardship of wanting to belong and having courage to be your own person.
Concrete Rose was inspired by Fans: https://youtu.be/YZn1naiSKz8
ReplyDeleteA Million Views by Aaron Stramer
ReplyDeletea. Audience for whom the book is written: 10 years and up
b. Audience to whom it will appeal (might differ from a) 10-13 year olds
c. Particular strengths of the book: draws on the desire to be a YouTube star, family and friendship qualities, educational in a fun way
d. Particular weaknesses of the book: story line feels a bit unfinished, leaves you feeling disappointed and wanting more
e. Any special considerations (artwork, curriculum links, community values, beliefs espoused, etc.) This book shows just how difficult it is to film a viral video. It teaches a lot about filmmaking, cosplay, editing, directing, and the desire to achieve fame. It also has a great message on friendship, gender neutrality, and family structures.
f. And, in School Library Journal's format: your verdict supported with details
Gr 5-8 Twelve year Brewster Gaines wants to push someone in a hole. That’s all it will take to get a million views, he is sure of it. He has made many other videos, but none of them have reached his goal- a million views. All he needs is someone to fall in the hole. Enter Carly. A spunky 12 year old classmate with more sass and ideas than Brewster bargained for. Before he knows what’s happening, his 10 second video has morphed into a 5 minute trailer for a movie that doesn’t exist, complete with sci-fi effects, epic costumes, cosplay actors, and a go-kart monster. How did a 2 person team become a group of seven? This story of friendship, family, film making and humor brings out the creative spirit in everyone. VERDICT: A heartfelt, well-rounded story of personal growth, diversity, and triumph combined with friends, offbeat humor, film making, and relatable characters makes this an enjoyable must read for middle schoolers.
It sounds like this book has the potential to inspire real conversations about media literacy, digital footprints, the impact of YouTube.
DeleteTitle: Concrete Rose
ReplyDeleteAuthor: Angie Thomas
a. Intended audience: Age 14
b. Likely audience: High schoolers +
c. Strengths: The realist thought life of Maverick. The title implies a beautiful end, but it seems impossible throughout much of the book. Perspective of a single teen father. Inner city dialect.
d. Weaknesses: May be too gritty for younger or more sheltered teens
e. Of Note: by bestselling author of The Hate U Give
f. Verdict, supported with detail:
Once again Angie Thomas skillfully writes about the African American experience in modern America. Maverick is a 17-year-old African American male living in the inner city. When we meet him belongs to a gang, sells drugs, is waiting on a paternity test, and playing basketball with his friends. Any stereotype ends there – the characters are complex and very well written. For Maverick, the cards just keep getting stacked against him with each passing chapter, will he ever make the choices to transform himself into the concrete rose the title implies? Scenes of sex, drugs, guns, and drive by shootings may be a bit intense for sheltered readers. But Maverick’s journey would be incomplete without them and would not match the reality the author is conveying. Read alongside books on African American history to see how the author subtly drops it in throughout the story. Verdict: A must purchase wherever urban realistic fiction is popular.
If you want to recommend a book that is less gritty but has similar themes, I would recommend Rebound by Kwame Alexander. https://kwamealexander.com/product/f/BOOKS/386
DeleteMaizy Chen’s Last Chance by Lisa Yee
ReplyDeleteTarget audience: Upper elementary/ages 8-12/grades 3-7
Potential audiences: Same as the intended audience
Strengths: Features a culturally diverse, multigenerational, likable cast of characters. Teaches about Chinese immigration in the 1800’s, the U.S. Chinese Exclusion Act, and paper sons by utilizing an effective story-within-a-story technique. Includes fast-paced, short chapters no longer than three pages each.
Weaknesses: Tries to include every possible hot button theme—racism, prejudice, discrimination, immigration/refugees, LGBTQIA+, single parenthood/sperm donation, bullying, recycling.
Special considerations: 2022 National Book Award Finalist, on many “best books of 2022” lists
Verdict: Maizy Chen’s Last Chance is a multigenerational feel-food story about connecting with family, discovering one’s roots, nurturing friendships, and rising to everyday challenges. While the book confronts serious topics such as racism, hate crimes, and bullying, the characters persevere and emerge stronger than before. Although set in the present, the book cleverly includes information on the history of Chinese immigration in the US by utilizing a story-within-a-story approach, which makes this book the perfect blend of contemporary realistic and historical fiction. Maizy Chen’s Last Chance would be a lovely addition to any middle school library.
This book won several awards today from the American Library Association. That was really fun to see!
ReplyDeleteSorry to omit vital information! The book is All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir
ReplyDelete--Beth
Audience for whom the book is written: Older Teens
ReplyDeleteAudience to whom it will appeal: Older Teens and adults that like YA
Particular strengths of the book: Pakistani/Muslim representation, strong themes, beautiful descriptive language, relevant and real issues
Particular weaknesses of the book: includes a lot of social issues like racism, abuse, substance additicion, trauma, etc. At times it felt a little excessive and added for the purpose of checking as many boxes as possible.
Special considerations: Sabaa Tahir is a popular fantasy YA author.
School Library Journal Review: Told from three perspectives, All My Rage is a love story caught in the midst of immigration, abuse, racism and loss. There seem to be a lot of issues packed into the lives of the characters for the sake of giving the characters a back story, motivation and dimension. However, older teens will find the characters relatable with the difficult choices that impact the rest of their lives. The writing is beautiful, with each character having a unique voice and perspective. The themes of friendship and forgiveness are themes are relatable to older teens and adults alike. I strongly recommend this book for these reasons and for the Pakistani/Muslim representation.
Title: All My Rage
DeleteAuthor: Sabaa Tahir
This will be an interesting book to discuss as a whole class at the end of the semester.
DeleteConcrete Rose by Angie Thomas
ReplyDeletea. Written for ages 14 and up
b. Would appeal to upper middle school/high school students and young adults
c. Strengths of the book: Maverick’s voice was very strong. Readers can learn a lot about him through his inner dialogue. The author also does a great job at humanizing and fostering empathy for characters that may often be considered outcasts in society (gang members, teen parents, etc)
d. Weaknesses: Could possibly foster negative stereotypes of the black community (especially if quotes from the text are used out of context).
e. Special considerations: Written by the same author as the best seller The Hate U Give
f. Verdict: Concrete Rose is an engaging story about a teenage boy trying to figure out what it means to grow up and become a man. Maverick is faced with many challenges living in an impoverished community, and becoming a single teen parent. He struggles with the choice of getting trapped in the familiar cycle of gang life, or trying to step out on his own and create a new path for his family. This story is a great read for teens.
Do you have to have read The Hate U Give to understand this book?
DeleteWinner of the 2023 Printz Award!
ReplyDeleteThe themes of this book are very much in line with the characteristics of YA materials that we discussed tonight in class (2/2/23)
ReplyDeleteTitle: Thirteen Reasons Why
ReplyDeleteAuthor: Jay Asher
a. Audience for whom the book is written: ages 14+.
b. Audience to whom it will appeal (might differ from a): ages 14+, and additionally teens and adults who enjoyed or are curious about the TV show it was adapted into.
c. Particular strengths of the book: 13 Reasons Why doesn't shy away from addressing weighty topics such as suicide, bullying, rape, and the duties of bystanders in these events. When it was published approximately 15 years ago, there were far fewer young adult novels that focused so boldly on these topics; in this way, it was a noteworthy addition to YA canon.
d. Particular weaknesses of the book: Although it addresses suicide, the book does so in a way that de-centers the most important character from her own story, robbing her of agency and focusing instead on the male character's emotional journey (ranging from anger to guilt to grief) that results from her suicide. In this way, the book "fridges" Hannah, sacrificing its female main character for the benefit of the male main character's arc. The book (and its TV show adaptation) has been called out by many mental health experts as being irresponsible in the way it handles the topic of suicide; it does little in the way of offering hope or alternatives to teens with suicidal ideations, instead focusing on bystanders' points of view and discussing where the "blame" for the tragedy should rest.
e. Any special considerations (artwork, curriculum links, community values, beliefs espoused, etc.): In 2017, Netflix released a TV adaptation of 13 Reasons Why, which was both hugely popular and hugely controversial. There was criticism particularly surrounding the scene in which Hannah commits suicide, saying that scene and the show as a whole sensationalizes suicide. Mental health experts warned that the show could result in copycat suicides, a fear that seems to have been well-founded; research (linked below) showed that Google searches about suicide rose by 20% in the 19 days following the series' initial release, with search terms like "how to kill yourself" being the most elevated. There were also at least three successful suicide attempts that families believe to have been inspired by the show.
f. And, in School Library Journal's format: your verdict supported with details: Although relevant and bold in its time, in today's booming young adult market there are many other books that handle suicide more responsibly and with a higher degree of hope for teens who may be vulnerable to suicidal ideation. This book is not recommended as a new purchase for school libraries.
Links:
https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/a20675573/13-reasons-why-criticism-problems/
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/amp/arts/banning-books-like-13-reasons-makes-harder-teens-open-adults-author-says
https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2017/04/13-reasons-why-suicide-controversy-nic-sheff-writer?verso=true
https://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/netflix-and-suicide-the-disturbing-example-of-13-reasons-why
Thank you for linking additional resources about this book and TV series.
ReplyDeleteThis book, and Front Desk by Kelly Yang have childlike covers but deal with mature issues. I am unclear why a publisher had these decisions. Efren Divided does the same with including Spanish language without explanation. I hope it builds empathy for our readers to learn what it is like to read in a second language.
ReplyDeleteThis won a William C Morris award which highlights debut YA authors.
ReplyDeleteThirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
ReplyDeletea. Audience for whom the book is written: grades 8-12 (13-14+)
b. Audience to whom it will appeal (might differ from a): 14+
c. Particular strengths of the book: The story is captivating as it follows Clay and Hannah’s story. The writing is creative with how it travels back and forth between the two character's points of view. The book captured an accurate depiction of topics that teenagers face in high school, which may cause the reader to pause and reflect. It evokes strong emotion and can open up conversations about suicide & bullying.
d. Particular weaknesses of the book
There is a very strong sense of revenge from Hannah, the main character, who committed suicide. The need for revenge (in the way of blaming people for her choice of suicide) almost overshadows the topic of her suicide itself. The book would also benefit from having a sticker with resources included for students who are experiencing suicidal thoughts.
e. Special considerations: The book was made into a Netflix series in 2017, which now has 4 seasons. Actors Dylan Minnette and Katherine Langford play Clay Jenson and Hannah Baker. There are many resources out that help guide educators when using this book. More often you will find resources pertaining to the Netflix series, however the series strayed from the content of the book, and using a resource like TeachingBooks can help bring more attention to the book itself. Common Sense Media provides resources and support for those using this book or talking about the series in the classroom.
f. Verdict with supported with details: This is young adult novel following the story of Hannah Baker, who has died by suicide, leaving behind seven recorded tapes with thirteen reasons why she has killed herself and the thirteen people who she holds responsible for it. The story is told through the voices of Clay Jenson and Hannah Baker and follows Clay as he receives the tapes in the mail. As he listens to them, he fights to understand why he received them, but he learns he is just one of the thirteen people who have and will receive these tapes. Although this book covers many important topics such as suicide, mental health, bullying and cyberbullying, rape, and other sensitive subjects, the strong presence of revenge from the protagonist who committed suicide tends to stretch a bit far. Although the story shows realistic types of characters struggling with the need for popularity and protecting ones self image, some of the reasons the protagonist blames the other characters can be a bit extreme.
Additional resources:
What teachers need to know about "13 reasons why" https://www.commonsense.org/education/articles/what-teachers-need-to-know-about-13-reasons-why
https://www.teachingbooks.net/
New From Here by Kelly Yang
ReplyDeletea. Audience for whom the book is written: ages 8-12, grades 3-7
b. Audience to whom it will appeal (might differ from a): ages 10-13
c. Particular strengths of the book: This book covers the Covid-19 pandemic from the perspective of an Asian-American family. Kids of this age group today can relate to the book, as they also have lived through the pandemic. Topics addressed in the book are relatable to those who have been through the pandemic: quarantine, distance learning, and job loss. Knox is a relatable character who has ADHD, loves his family, and just wants everyone to be okay.
d. Particular weaknesses of the book: I honestly cannot think of any weaknesses. I thought Yang did a great job with this book!
e. Special considerations: Based on Kelly Yang's own family and how they handled the beginning of the pandemic, Anti-Asian racism, Bullying,
Reading Group Discussion Questions and Activity Guide from Simon and Schuster: https://www.simonandschuster.net/books/New-from-Here/Kelly-Yang/9781534488304?ss_sid=119108896&utm_source=email&utm_medium=sands_email&utm_campaign=20220307_KidsLibrarianNL_NewFromHereDed#reading-group-guide
f. Verdict:
Kelly Yang knocks it out of the park with this realistic portrayal of an Asian-American family whose life gets turned upside down with the arrival of the coronavirus. Based on her own family's experience, Yang introduces us to Knox, a Chinese-American fifth grader living in Hong Kong at the time the virus hits. Once the pandemic begins to shut things down in Hong Kong, his parents decide that it will be safer for mom, Knox, and his two siblings to move back to the United States. Dad, and Knox's best friend, must stay behind to do his job in Hong Kong. Knox's mom takes the kids to their home in northern California to wait out the virus. Things are not easy in California, however, as the kids struggle to adjust to their new schools, after trying to first continue doing online school. Knox, who has ADHD, makes a new friend in Christopher, who is also Asian-American with ADHD. Mom struggles to keep it together as a single parent who experiences job loss during the pandemic. Understanding that money is tight, Knox and his older brother, Bowen, and younger sister, Lea, launch "Operation Dad Come Over" in order to reunite their family. They must find Dad a job in America and raise money to fly him to California. The siblings try numerous money-making schemes, forcing them to work together. As the virus hits the US, the family experiences anti-Asian racism. This book is a highly recommended purchase for all libraries.
From Tess: Dress Coded by Carrie Firestone
ReplyDeleteAudience for whom the book is written: 10-12 year-olds
Audience to whom it will appeal (might differ from a): upper elementary and middle grade.
Particular strengths of the book: It was written in a format that was engaging. You were able to get perspectives from side characters through chapters that were written as podcast excerpts. There were multiple examples of awkward and uncomfortable experiences that happen during the puberty age that can be very relatable to the targeted audience.
Particular weaknesses of the book: There was a plot line of a sibling experiencing nicotine addiction that was overdone, unrealistic, and not needed for the heart of the story. Had this plot line not been in the story, I feel I would have enjoyed it more. However, it pulled me away from the core story line and left me feeling frustrated.
Any special considerations (artwork, curriculum links, community values, beliefs espoused, etc.): A Junior Library Guild Selection/
A Kids' Indie Next List Pick/ A Booklist Editors' Choice/ A Rise: Feminist Book Project Selection/ A Bank Street College of Education Best Book of the Year
In School Library Journal's format: your verdict supported with details: Carrie Firestone's debut novel showcases the effects school policies have on how adolescents navigate the world of puberty. Through activism, the main characters are able to amplify their voices to speak out against the biased school policies and make a real change for their community. A great read for anyone feeling like they are being told to conform to a box that they do not fit into.
From Err: All My Rage
ReplyDeletea. Audience for whom the book is written: Grades 9-12
b. Audience to whom it will appeal (might differ from a): ages 15 and up! I enjoyed it very much as an adult. Would appeal to anyone having a tough time in high school, someone in a bad home environment or who has lost parents or close relatives may also find comfort in this book.
c. Particular strengths of the book: Main characters are male and female, it's not "girly" or "boyish." The characters have complex home lives that guides their decisions and mistakes. The author does not shy away from the casual racism many students of color face in schools.
d. Particular weaknesses of the book: I was very frustrated that a character would not turn their abuser into the police. I kept thinking that I would rat him out in a second, but I have never been in that situation and cannot judge someone for their choices (however fictional they may be).
e. Any special considerations (artwork, curriculum links, community values, beliefs espoused, etc.): A trigger warning for the events in the book is given at the beginning, and resources for these situations are given at the very end. The book is divided into six parts. Each part contains a verse from a poem about loss ("One Art" by Elizabeth Bishop). The poem is also used as an assignment for Noor. It's a beautiful poem, reflecting the running themes throughout the book. A ton of music is mentioned in the book with clear song titles and artists. Someone could easily make a great playlist to listen to while they read.
f. And, in School Library Journal's format: your verdict supported with details: Reading this book was so difficult, yet I didn’t want to put it down. In the first few chapters the mother of a main character, Sal, dies. Her death has a huge impact on everyone in the story and I can’t help but relate it to my own experience of losing my mother. The heartbreak of Sal and Noor, the main characters, is written so beautifully and articulately. The whole story is about Sal and Noor wanting to belong to a community that mostly pushes them out, about Noor trying to escape the horrors of home but also wanting to succeed with her white peers, and Sal trying to keep his family together and his deceased mother's dream alive. This story was compelling to the end. I would recommend it to any student looking for a complex, not-exactly-happy-ending kind of book. While not every Pakistani American has the experiences of Sal and Noor, there is probably an element or two that any student could relate to. I would definitely keep this book, and cherish it in my collection.
--Beth Robins
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
ReplyDeletea. Audience for whom the book is written: The book is written for ages 14 and up.
b. Audience to whom it will appeal (might differ from a) The Hate U Give appeals to an audience 14 years old and up, the gritty nature and strong language is most likely too intense for many middle school students. Adults would also enjoy this book, especially with the 90s references.
c. Particular strengths of the book: This book is emotionally charged and tells the story of 16-year-old Starr finding her voice and figuring out her identity, two topics very relatable to the book's audience. The book also feels very relevant, with its plotline mirroring current events. Despite being a long book, the plot is fast paced.
d. Particular weaknesses of the book: This is a long book, at 444 pages long reluctant readers are likely to not pick it up to read. Also despite having topics that lend itself well to discussion, the strong language prevents it from being read aloud and may turn off some readers.
e. Any special considerations (artwork, curriculum links, community values, beliefs espoused, etc.): The Hate U Give was made into a movie released in 2018. A prequel, Concrete Rose, was released as a follow up to The Hate U Give.
f. And, in School Library Journal's format: your verdict supported with details: The Hate U Give tells the story of 16-year-old Starr Carter as she lives in a predominantly black, poor neighborhood and attends a mostly white, rich, private school. After witnessing her childhood friend Khalil be shot and killed by a police officer during a traffic stop the novel explores the impact of this event on Starr including her finding her voice as she deals with the decision to testify, the reactions of her classmates and her neighborhood to Khalil’s shooting, and her own feelings from witnessing this traumatic event. Starr is a likable main character and narrator that all readers can either identify or empathize with. With themes of figuring out your beliefs, values, and identity, finding your voice, and fighting injustice, this book is a must read for young adults today.
Merci Suarez Changes Gears by Meg Medina
ReplyDelete.
A. the audience for whom the book is written
Grades 4-7
B. Audience to whom it will appeal (might differ from a.)
Grades 4-7
C. Particular strengths of the book
Spanish is seen as a natural language within the book. Amazing depiction of the importance of family.
D. Particular weaknesses of the book
Requires non-Spanish-speaking readers to seek out translations for language and folklore.
E. Special considerations: A wonderful coming-of-age story told from a Latnix pre-teen's perspective. Recognizes the awkward social changes that pre-teens go through moving through middle school.
F. Verdict: Coming of age book that is written for Latnix pre-teens and their friends. This book is an essential mirror and window text on all middle-grade shelves. All students can relate to the awkward social aspects portrayed and the many changes that go along with growing up out of childhood.
From Jennifer Day:
ReplyDeleteMerci Suárez Plays it Cool - Meg Medina
a. Audience for whom the book is written. ages 9-13
b. Audience to whom it will appeal: Could appeal to younger high school students if they can overlook the juvenile cover.
c. Particular strengths of the book: Latino cultural elements and Spanish language are subtle yet very present in this book. I love that the Spanish words are included matter-of-factly, without offering a translation or other acknowledgement. Merci Suárez, as narrator, provides honest contemplation of messy friend dynamics, fragility and loss of a loved one, and exploration and acceptance of different kinds of friendship.
d. Particular weaknesses of the book: What I consider a strength may be a weakness. For readers that don't know Spanish, the inclusion of Spanish words may be leave them feeling frustrated or wondering what they are missing. The cover art is cute, but may appear to be too juvenile for those who judge books by their cover.
e. Any special considerations (artwork, curriculum links, community values, beliefs espoused, etc.). Meg Medina won the Newbery medal for the first book in this series in 2019. This novel was named best book of 2022 by Parent's, Kirkus, and the Horn Book Magazines.
f. And, in the School Library Journal’s tradition: Your verdict, supported with detail: Merci Suárez Plays it Cool is a sweet story of an 8th grade girl who is navigates the social aspects of adolescence, from team dynamics, leadership responsibilities, and evolving friendships. This book and the others in the series would be an excellent addition to a Spanish Immersion/Dual-Language program's library. Students that may feel intimidated by reading a full novel in Spanish could feel proud of their ability to understand words, all the while absorbing rich cultural content through relatable context. Verdict: Purchase the series!