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!!!
My Imaginary Mary, by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows
ReplyDeletea. Grades 8-12
b. Will definitely appeal to intended audience, but I can see younger kids liking it.
c. This book took what, in real actual life, were two less than ideal lives, Mary Shelley and Ada Lovelace, and gave them a better story, maybe one that they wished for but never got. I did enjoy the true, but sparse, facts scattered in the book.
d. Constant interjections by the book’s narrators/authors, almost to the point of condescension. There are weak jokes in the form of song lyrics snuck into regular dialogue, and one of the main characters is given a terrible name.
e. There is no artwork or special considerations.
f. I would recommend this to someone looking for an escapist story, with the instruction to look up Mary Shelley and Ada Lovelace and see what their lives were actually like, and how their work has impacted society today. However, I would not keep it in my personal collection. The commentary from the narrators/authors was annoying, mainly because they explained things that a young person would not know, but as I am from an older generation already knew very well. This is not a book I would return to after its initial reading.
—Beth Robins
Part of your role as a media specialist will be to recommend books to students that you may not have liked or will not read yourself. It is good that you had an opportunity to read something you didn't love in this class in preparation.
DeleteVampire, Hearts & Other Dead Things by Margie Fuston
ReplyDeletea. Ages 12 and up
b. Upper middle school and high school; people who have experienced cancer and/or death of a parent
c. This book offers readers a personal experience of an 18-year-old coping with her father's imminent death with pancreatic cancer. It's a heart wrenching story of a teen dealing with loss, having hope, and learning to lean on others when life gets unbearable.
d. Raw representation of the trauma of cancer--Trigger warning; romantic tension intertwined through traumatic events
e. No artwork or special considerations
f. Fans of vampire stories, mixed with a tear-jerking story line, readers will turn their views of traditional vampire stories towards finding a will to live on.
Personal note:
I literally cried through this entire book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Writing about vampirism as a potential to solution to dying from cancer is a unique approach. This book won a Morris Award for debut YA Authors. You might recognize other award winners: https://www.ala.org/yalsa/2022-morris-award
DeleteA Rover's Story
ReplyDeleteBy Jasmine Warga
a. Audience for whom the book is written: 8-12 year olds
b. Audience to whom it will appeal (might differ from a): It has the ability to captivate readers of all ages.
c. Particular strengths of the book: based on true stories of previous Mars rovers, educational without being too educational, very descriptive and well written, really draws you into the story and gives you good visuals.
d. Particular weaknesses of the book: The story line skips over many years, it would be good to somehow fill in some more of those gaps.
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
Gr 3-7: When the scientists at NASA’s JPL are building the new Mars Rover, they are unaware that the rover is developing human connections and feelings. The story follows Resilience through his journey of development; as he meets new robot friends, undergoes a variety of tests to get ready for Mars, then travels millions of miles through space to the Red Planet. There he accompanied by his drone, Fly, and they meet a satellite named Guardian that will help them on their journey. The story is based on a combination of journal style letters from Sophia, one of the scientists young daughter and narration from the robots perspective. We follow the rover through this time on Mars while he learns more about the Red Planet and human emotions. The story includes very real challenges of a female scientist working for NASA, major health issues, Arabic culture, and growing up as a teenage girl. VERDICT: A unique, new experience into sci-fi that draws readers in and engages them in an uplifting, humorous, and feel good adventure.
Cathy Andronik (YA Lit Workshop facilitator, Odyssey Award Committee ALA) recommends, "Pair this with The Wild Robot, The One and Only Ivan, and the animated film Wall-E."
DeleteHe started writing at a young age as well. An interview is here: https://youtu.be/0_fjlYXZ82M
ReplyDeleteGenre: Fantasy
ReplyDeleteTitle: Aru Shah and the End of Time
Author: Roshani Chokshi
a. Intended audience: 3-7
b. Likely audience: 5-7
c. Strengths: Aru is real, a bit whinny, and self-centered; Integrating the Hindu mythology into the story line; fun, creative, imaginative.
d. Weaknesses: The whinny got a little tiring in the audiobook.
e. Of Note: Non-Eurocentric mythology
f. Verdict, supported with detail:
Aru must stop the end of time alongside her soul sister and a bossy pigeon. Okay, she is the reason all this is happening, but it was an accident. Aru’s mom is often gone on archeological digs looking for ancient Indian artifacts, but now she is frozen in time in their home, the Museum of Ancient Art and Indian Cultures. How to fix it? Go on a quest for celestial weapons. The imaginative interpretation of Hindu mythological beings and stories are blended well with a journey of self-confidence and friendship. Verdict: A must purchase where mythology is popular, and it is good to move beyond the traditional Roman & Greek mythology stories.
Have you read any of Rick Riordan's books or other author's he has highlighted?
DeleteWhat would you pair this book with, Naomi?
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure I posted my review of How to Succeed at Witchcraft here, but now it's not showing?
DeleteHere is your post: Title: How to Succeed in Witchcraft
DeleteAuthor: Aislinn Brophy
a. Audience for whom the book is written: 12+
b. Audience to whom it will appeal (might differ from a): 12+
c. Particular strengths of the book: This book deftly weaves together a sweet lesbian love story with timely topics such as racism, sexual grooming, and power imbalances in education. All of this is framed within a fascinating contemporary version of our world where magic is a fact of everyday life; the main character is a self-proclaimed "potions nerd" striving to get into an elite college that offers magical licenses. The story addresses topics that are of high importance to today's teens, taking a particular look at what constitutes academic success and how the educational system can feel rigged.
d. Particular weaknesses of the book: One teacher is in a position of power over students (including the main character) who are striving to get a scholarship that's sponsored by his family. He uses grooming techniques (uncomfortable touches, inappropriate comments, paying special attentions to female students) that may seem frustratingly obvious to readers, but which the main character makes excuses for even as the people who love her try to point out the inappropriateness of his actions. Although this may be true to real-life grooming situations, and does address an important topic for today's teens, it may be frustrating for readers who would prefer the main character to take more agency and/or communicate more honestly with the people in her life who would help her through this situation.
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: "How to Succeed in Witchcraft" is a fun story set in an intriguing world that addresses issues vital to today's teenagers. It's a good purchase for libraries looking to diversify fantasy collections.
Have you read Fighting Words? Would you pair it with this book?
ReplyDeleteIf you had older readers, you could pair this with Angela's Ashes, but with younger readers, I think some teaching on the potato famine would be helpful.
ReplyDeleteAll the Impossible Things - Lindsay Lackey
ReplyDeletea. Audience for whom the book is written: 8-12 years
b. Audience to whom it will appeal (might differ from a.) I think this book could appeal to students older than 12. (I'm 46 and enjoyed it!)
c. Particular strengths of the book This book conveys emotion in a creative and tangible way that demonstrates clearly the effects of our emotions on others when we left them get away from us. It also conveys how our emotions are a strength that can be channeled positively. Another strength is the overarching message of optimism: All things seem impossible until you do them.
d. Particular weaknesses of the book: This book speaks of challenges in foster family relationships, terminal illness, drug addiction, and incarceration. While it is not at all a weakness, it may be triggering to someone that has had experience with similar situations. That said, the author handles each topic in a way that demonstrates resilience and movement forward.
e. Any special considerations (artwork, curriculum links, community values, beliefs espoused, etc.). The cover art is inviting. The chapters are short, which makes this novel feel like a quick read. The setting is a petting zoo. Students reading the book could do some inquiry-based projects into the behaviors and care of the animals mentioned.
f. And, in the School Library Journal’s tradition: Lindsay Lackey has a way of making our emotions seem powerful and magical. This novel, told from the perspective of a young girl counting down the days to her mother's release from prison, helps readers explore the many ways we experience love, anger, loneliness, trauma, control, and strength. The main character explores connections with family, animals, caregivers, and friends, all in an effort to understand what is and what is not impossible. Verdict: Buy this book for all of the readers who love animals and emotional stories with a creative, fantastical twist.
A Maud Hart Lovelace nominee! I hope can recommend this title to many this school year!
DeleteVampires, Hearts and Other Dead Things by Margie Fuston
ReplyDeleteAudience for whom the book is written: Teens
Audience to whom it will appeal: Teens
Particular strengths of the book: Victoria’s grief at losing her dad and trying to save him is relatable and well-captured. The question of whether vampires exist is a mystery that has the reader going back and forth through the whole novel. New Orleans is more than a setting, it is a character. The love relationships are complex and serve the story.
Particular weaknesses of the book: About halfway through, it slows down and gets a little repetitive. Victoria is on a mission and is tasked with completing tasks that prove that she loves life. However, she is weighed down by her grief and guilt. Every time she completes a task and feels a moment of happiness, Fuston follows up with monotonous accounts of her grief and guilt. Also, toward the end, the writer began using color symbolism as a representation of Victoria’s feelings, but this seemed to come out of nowhere and was not a tangent line throughout the novel.
Special considerations: William C. Morris Award Finalist
School Library Journal Review: 8-12 In an effort to save her dying father, Victoria travels to New Orleans to find a vampire that will save his life. Feeling all the guilt and grief, Victoria is challenged to find joy and prove that she loves life. Readers will enjoy the literary tour of New Orleans. The love-triangle and the question of whether vampires are really real keep readers engaged. I’d recommend this book to YA readers that enjoy romance books.
Would this pair well with Twilight?
DeleteAll the impossible Things- Lindsay Lackey
ReplyDeletea. Audience for whom the book is written: 10-14 years
b. Audience to whom it will appeal (might differ from a.) 10-14 + adult
c. Particular strengths of the book: This book shows the struggle I imagine a lot of foster kids go through, of wanting to belong to a family that cares about you, but feeling like you are abandoning your own family by choosing someone else. Even when your family doesn’t treat you well it can be hard to recognize that you are deserving of more. The back-and-forth feelings Red feels about wanting to be comforted and wanting to run are palpable.
d. Particular weaknesses of the book: The addition of Red’s journal entries took away from the depth of the character building for me. I felt the dialogue and character building did a better job of portraying emotion than these excerpts did as it pulled me out of the story, even just momentarily.
e. Any special considerations: (artwork, curriculum links, community values, beliefs espoused, etc.). Maud Hart Lovelace Division II Nominee (2023)
f. And, in the School Library Journal’s tradition: All the Impossible Things is a novel about the trauma and triumphs of a child in the foster system. Emotions are portrayed with fantastical twists as the main character, Red, navigates a world that feels impossible at times. Story has components of death, puberty, trauma, drug use, and fostering. Verdict: This book is great for anyone who has ever felt their emotions build like a storm within them and wants to immerse themselves in a story where the impossible can somehow be possible.
Aru Shah and The End of Time by Roshani Chokshi
ReplyDeletea. 8-12 years old
b. Would appeal to middle grade readers or readers of all ages
c. Strengths: This book felt like a funnier and more engaging version of The Lightning Thief from the Percy Jackson series. The two main characters Aru and Mini had great senses of humor and banter that was incredibly entertaining. It was great to see two heroines front and center in a fantasy/adventure story.
d. Weaknesses: contemporary pop culture references in the story could fall flat in a few years time
e. Special considerations: none
f. Verdict: Aru Shah and the end of time is an engaging story that follows the titular character on a journey of self-discovery while trying to save the world. Aru suddenly and unexpectedly realizes that all the stories of Hindu gods and goddesses her mother told her throughout her life were not myths, but real, and that she is a descendant. Verdict: A must read for lovers of the fantasy genre. A must purchase for the elementary and middle school library.
Gallant by V. E. Schwab
ReplyDeleteTarget audience: YA (13+) according to the publisher
Potential audiences: Older teens and adults who enjoy V. E. Schwab’s adult books
Strengths:
-Strong, independent female protagonist who happens to be mute
-Scary story with ghosts and other supernatural happenings; clearly Gothic
-Spooky locations – an orphanage and an old, almost empty estate
-Middle of the book features a unique journal which includes written entries that are poetic and pen and ink hand-drawn entries
Weaknesses:
-Unclear location (England?) and time period (early 1900s?)
-Smidge violent – torture and evil infesting characters’ dreams; murder; suicide
-A main character dies
Special considerations: Goodreads Choice Award - Winner for Best Young Adult Fantasy & Science Fiction (2022)
Verdict:
This book features a supernatural topic (parallel good v. evil universes) and a protagonist that sees ghouls everywhere she goes. That eeriness will appeal to some students, even though the conflict in the story is neither fully explained nor resolved by the end of the book, and all the characters, except for the protagonist Olivia, are underdeveloped. The plot requires a lot of suspension of disbelief and the ending is depressing. Personally, I thought the book was disappointing -- devoid of any deep, uplifting relationships among the characters and with a hopeless ending. However, many students will be captivated by the book’s horror genre qualities.
The author's descriptions of the setting and ghouls reminded me of Tim Burton's movies like The Nightmare Before Christmas. If students like that, they will likely like this book. I have not finished it yet.
ReplyDeleteAll the Impossible Things by Lindsay Lackey
ReplyDeletea. Audience for whom the book is written: ages 8-12
b. Audience to whom it will appeal (might differ from a): ages 10+
c. Particular strengths of the book: Diversity of characters, a positive foster care experience is depicted, relationship of Red with her grandmother, positive message throughout story: all things seem impossible until you do them.
d. Particular weaknesses of the book: Difficult to determine if the forces of the characters' winds are real or metaphoric, topics such as drug addiction, incarceration, and terminal illness may be difficult for eight year-olds to understand.
e. Special considerations: Maud Hart Lovelace Division II Nominee (2023),
f. Verdict: This is the story of Red, an eleven year-old girl who has been in the foster care system for the past three years. She has been bounced from home to home while she waits desperately for her mom to be released from prison. Red ends up in the care of Celine and Jackson, who run a small petting zoo. The animals play an important part in helping Red heal, especially Tuck, the 400 pound tortoise. The author includes magical realism, as Red tries desperately to hide the storms created by her strong emotions of fear and anger. Throughout the story, Red is conflicted by a growing love for her foster mom, Celine, and a commitment to getting back under her real mom's care once she's released from prison. Red's new friend, Marvin, tries to help her realize she's not alone. The story flashes back and forth between Red's past with her mother and grandmother, and her current situation with her foster family. Red battles with the dream of reuniting with her mother and the realization that her mom may not be done dealing with her own battles and ready to take care of herself, let alone Red. Although, difficult to follow at times, this book will appeal to upper elementary and middle school students who are interested in magical realism.
From Emily:
ReplyDeleteTitle: All the Impossible Things
Author: Lindsay Lackey
a. Audience for whom the book is written: 8-12 years
b. Audience to whom it will appeal (might differ from a): Ages 12+
c. Particular strengths of the book: This book is a positive depiction of foster care and what can happen when you land in a loving home that wants you to be you. The fantasy pieces are minimal, so it doesn’t overthink itself when there is magic. We are left wondering if the magic is actually happening or if it’s a metaphor. Realistic depiction of addiction, addiction recovery, and addiction relapse.
d. Particular weaknesses of the book: Material (see e.) might be too hard to explain to younger readers.
e. Any special considerations (artwork, curriculum links, community values, beliefs espoused, etc.): Pill addiction mentioned that leads a child being put into foster care by the police at a very young age, incarcerated parent, possible suppressed sexual abuse (depends on the reader), child abuse, cancer is a big part of the story with two main characters
f. And, in School Library Journal's format/your verdict supported with details: What is the difference between hard and impossible? “All the Impossible Things” by Lindsay Lackey is a magical book about a girl’s relationship with her mother and her loving foster family while she learns how to navigate her emotions and control the magic she has inside of her. A great addition to your library for fans of “The Thing About Jellyfish” and many others.
Medusa by Jessie Burton illustrated by Olivia Lomenech Gill
ReplyDeletea. Audience for whom the book is written: 14+ according to publisher's website
b. Audience to whom it will appeal: Given some of the vocabulary in this book I would agree that it would most appeal to ages 14+ as intended.
c. Particular strengths of the book: Absolutely stunning illustrations throughout the book, plotline of finding of and acceptance of self, discussion of beauty, great introduction to mythology.
d. Particular weaknesses of the book: Writing style is not the most user friendly, illustrations are occasionally placed in ways that disrupt mid plot or conversation making it hard to fully stop and appreciate them.
e. Any special considerations (artwork, curriculum links, community values, beliefs espoused, etc.): Does allude to rape and the emotional aftermath but does not describe the rape. Beautiful color illustrations included.
f. And, in School Library Journal's format: your verdict supported with details: An artistic and creative variation on classic Greek mythology, the plot follows the story of a Medusa accompanied by beautiful color illustrations. Given the writing style and vocabulary this is not a book for all audiences, but for those interested in art or mythology they will enjoy Medusa’s journey towards self-acceptance and not letting others define her.
City of Ember- Jeanne DuPrau
ReplyDelete.
A. the audience for whom the book is written
Grades 4-7
B. Audience to whom it will appeal
Grades 5-7
C. Particular strengths of the book
The author develops a setting that is a dystopian post-apocalyptic while being comfortable for young readers.
D. Particular weaknesses of the book
The author often overexplains details that could be inferred by the average reader.
E. Special considerations: NA
F. Verdict: A wonderful puzzle-solving mystery rooted in a dystopian world that is running out of time. This book is a great addition to shelves for middle school. A great gateway book to more dystopian books.
From April: The Missing Piece of Charlie O'Reilly by Rebecca K.S. Ansari
ReplyDeletea. Audience for whom the book is written: Ages 8-12, Grades 3-7
b. Audience to whom it will appeal: Middle school, some of the concepts might be a bit too abstract for kids younger than 5th grade.
c. Particular strengths of the book: The characters are very relatable. It does a good job demonstrating what it is like, or some of the challenges of, being a kid who has a parent that suffer with depression.
d. Particular weaknesses of the book: Charlies flashback dreams of another life can be a bit of a challenge at first to figure out what is going on. They are explained later in the book and fit nicely into the story, but might turn some readers of from the book.
e. Any special considerations (artwork, curriculum links, community values, beliefs espoused, etc.): This book could possibly making it appear that a parent's depression is a child's fault, or that kids can somehow cause a parent's depression.
f. Your verdict supported with details: This is a story about friendship, family relationships, making mistakes, forgiveness and loss. The magical elements were well written and full of imagery. There were a few plot twists that the reader does not see coming. I would say that this is a good example of magical realism. The characters have to learn to live with the consequences of their actions. Though this is not a work of historical fiction, there is some historical content sprinkled throughout. This book would also appeal to kids who like detective stories.