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!!!
Title: White Bird
ReplyDeleteAuthor: R. J. Palacio
a. Intended audience: grades 3-7
b. Likely audience: grades 5+
c. Strengths: Simple clean, impactful illustrations, touch of magical realism.
d. Weaknesses: The author connects the Holocaust to a very specific current event, the boarder wall and President Trump, which may become dated and less impactful over the years. The original cover is cardboard texture, which is not great for circulation.
e. Of Note: Expands on the story of Julien from Wonder. Backmatter and further reading.
f. Verdict, supported with detail:
This is a necessary and important addition to school libraries, starting at upper elementary. Even adults will enjoy and be moved by this fictional graphic novel, especially fans of Wonder who will recognize Julian in the prologue. White bird is the story of his Grandmére’s experience in France during WWII as a Jewish girl. Topics touched on, in addition to the Holocaust, are bullying, bystanders, and small acts of kindness which had more serious consequences at that time. A good companion to Anne Frank’s: A diary of a young girl. Verdict: A must purchase for upper school libraries at the very least for a conversation starter about the Holocaust.
The movie is expected to be released on August 18th. Here is the trailer: https://youtu.be/MOi0b6pk3c8
ReplyDeleteCurlfriends- New In Town by Sharee Miller
ReplyDelete(ARC October 2023 publish date)
Audience for whom the book is written: middle grade
Audience to whom it will appeal (might differ from a): upper elementary and middle grade.
Particular strengths of the book: A story with a main character who is black that isn't focused primarily on traumatic black struggle. Curlfriends is about a girl named Charlie who moves to her father's hometown after he retires from the military. She struggles with knowing how to make friends in a permanent situation and learns that sticking true to who you are is more important than conforming to who you think others want you to be.
Particular weaknesses of the book: There is a big focus on the father/daughter relationship that struggled due to him not being around much. There is off page context of how close she is with her mother, but no real character building of the mother herself.
Any special considerations (artwork, curriculum links, community values, beliefs espoused, etc.): This is Sharee's debut graphic novel.
Verdict: Sharee Miller's debut graphic novel focuses on the struggle of finding connections in new places. Charlie and her friends learn through tough and awkward experiences how powerful friendship can be. A must read for anyone experiencing being the new kid in a town where everyone seems to know each other.
How did you happen to get an advance copy of the book? Cool!
DeleteWorking in Publisher Relations at Mackin has it's perks!
DeleteWhen Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jameison and Omar Mohammad
ReplyDeletea. Grades 4th and up
b. Readers who enjoy learning about history, like learning about new worlds, and graphic novel lovers
c. Omar's story will provide a space for readers to gain empathy and compassion for people who are similar to Omar. When Stars Are Scattered is a beautiful story the teaches young readers about faith, relisiance, community, hope, love, and family.
d. Most graphic novel formats typically are quick reads with a good amount of illustrations and words. When Stars Are Scattered, at times, was overwhelming to read. Storyline is long and anti-climatic.
e. Illustrations are beautiful and depict the life of a refugee and UN Refugee camps in a way that is attainable for young readers. When Stars Are Scattered can be used during any graphic novel format study, book club books, or as a mentor text for biography/autobiography writing.
f. A look into the life of a refugee, Jameison and Mohammad share how the even at the lowest of times the human spirit preservers.
This book has won several book awards and was a Maud Hart Lovelace nominee. Learn more: https://www.victoriajamieson.com/educato/
DeleteI wonder if this would pair well with Cemetery Boys: https://www.aiden-thomas.com/cemetery-boys
ReplyDeleteAint Burned All The Bright by Jason Reynolds
ReplyDeletea. 12+
b. 12+ with support, high school shelves
c. The art is gorgeous, which helps because the material is deep. It is a thick book, but takes only about a half hour to read as it is only about three sentences long. It supports the ideas of the early months of the pandemic, surrounding a Black family with strong words and feelings.
d. Honestly, no weaknesses. This book is astounding. Maybe the length of the book could be a put-off for potential readers.
e. George Floyd is a featured part of this book and his portrait in Minneapolis is shown. Police murder and protests are mentioned. COVID-19 pandemic is the theme throughout - narrator's dad is sick for the duration. Media and television fake news/facts are a theme as well.
f. "Aint Burned All the Bright" is a must buy for your middle and high school shelves. A great addition for any Jason Reynolds spotlight and a powerful narrative about the pandemic, police brutality, and what it means to be a community during a crisis. The collages and artwork are inspiring.
I really thought Jason Reynolds captured the feels well all had during the stay at home order. I wonder what books you would pair this with?
DeleteEl Deafo
ReplyDeleteCece Bell
a. Audience: grades 3-7
b. Audience to whom it would appeal: grades 3-7, anyone with hearing loss looking for someone like them
c. Strengths: clear timeline of events, bright and clear illustrations. The emotions of the author really show throughout the story.
d. Weaknesses: honestly don't see any. The story is told through the POV of the author, and she clarifies in her author's note at the end that this is only her experience and does not speak for anyone else with hearing loss.
e. Any special considerations: Newbery Medal 2015. Updated version has notes from author showing creative process and drafts of pages in the book, and personal photographs from when she was young. Has been made into a tv show on Apple+.
f. Verdict: I would definitely keep this on my shelf! It was a quick read, so would be easy to return to repeatedly. I do not have hearing loss, so I appreciated seeing this one perspective of someone's experience. It really made me realize how difficult it can be for people with hearing loss to communicate and be part of the hearing world. Even though Cece wears hearing aids she relies heavily on lip reading. She enjoys watching tv but in the 1970s and 80s, before closed captioning was available, she could never get the full story. She struggles making friends who don't infantilize her or that refuse to speak in a way Cece can understand. I was so glad when she did make some good friends that accepted her and her deafness and did not treat her differently from a hearing person. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone wondering about the struggles of people with disabilities, as well as to someone with hearing loss looking to find a character like them.
Beth Robins
I just learned this is now a series on Apple+ https://www.imdb.com/title/tt16432198/
DeleteWitch Boy by Molly Knox Ostertag
ReplyDeletea. Audience for whom the book is written- YA- Middle School- Grades 4-7
b. Audience to whom it will appeal (might differ from a)- This is a great book for kids 12 and up. The young witch in question is outside of the gender binary and is positive representation for gender queer and non-binary people in middle and high school.
c. Particular strengths of the book- The drawings that make the main character so clearly not a part of the gender binary. The plot ties the past to the present in an unexpected way. Very effective use of color in the drawings as well.
d. Particular weaknesses of the book- The reason that boys couldn’t study witchcraft foreshadowed the ending and made it obvious.
e. Any special considerations (artwork, curriculum links, community values, beliefs espoused, etc.) – A non-binary author writing a book about a gender queer character, witchcraft, and disobeying parents are all hot topics in today’s world.
f. And, in School Library Journal's format: your verdict supported with details: This is a really cool book that kicks off a series. I can see this being a great hit with middle grade students. It is an easier reading level but a high-interest genre, topic, and format. I recommend it for any upper elementary or middle school librarian.
I looked this one up on Amazon because the title was new to me. Looks like it is a trilogy: https://www.amazon.com/Witch-Boy-Molly-Knox-Ostertag/dp/133808951X
DeleteNimona by ND Stevenson
ReplyDeletea. Audience for whom the book is written: ages 13+
b. Audience to whom it will appeal (might differ from a): middle schoolers and up. This book isn't too graphic and the topic of superheroes is likely to be appealing to middle schoolers.
c. Particular strengths of the book: This quick and clever fantasy showcases a spunky, moody young shapeshifter with a mysterious past. When she pesters supervillain Blackheart into taking her on as a sidekick, the two get up to some nefarious shenanigans that turn out to be a bit more dangerous than the not-so-evil Blackheart is prepared for. This book does a wonderful and thought-provoking job of showing how even "good" people can betray you, and villains might have their reasons--and their principles.
d. Particular weaknesses of the book: The somewhat simplistic art and concept might not seem complex enough to appeal to older teens at first glance.
e. Any special considerations (artwork, curriculum links, community values, beliefs espoused, etc.): This graphic novel began as a web comic, and became a NYT bestseller when published.
f. Verdict: Starring a spunky antiheroine with a murky past, this book is a quick and fun read with wide appeal and appealing characters. Recommended for middle and high schools.
This looks like it will be a Netflix series released this summer: https://www.whats-on-netflix.com/news/netflix-animated-movie-nimona-everything-we-know-so-far-01-2023/
DeletePeach Fuzz Vol 1 by Lindsay Cibos and Jared Hodges
ReplyDeletea. Audience for whom the book is written: 12 years and up
b. Audience to whom it will appeal (might differ from a): The main character in this book is nine years old so I feel like it would also appeal to upper elementary grades as well as middle school, specifically middle school girls. This book would be good for animal lovers. Adults will enjoy the moms frustrations that come along with the expenses of owning a pet.
c. Particular strengths of the book: This is a fun story that is told from the point of view of both the main character and her pet ferret. It does a good job of illustrating both the benefits and challenges of owning a pet.
d. Particular weaknesses of the book: Many readers will not get the reference of the five headed handra (the girls hand) to the hydra, a many headed serpent monster in Greek mythology. There are a few places in the book that were a bit confusing to figure out what was happening because their several frames with no words, only pictures
e. Any special considerations (artwork, curriculum links, community values, beliefs espoused, etc.): It was the grand prize entry in TOKYOPOP's Rising Stars of Manga competition. Some readers might view some aspects of this story as animal cruelty. This story consists of three volumes.
f. And, in School Library Journal's format: your verdict supported with details: This is a great beginner book for introducing students to Manga, especially girls. The author does a good job of imagining what it would be like to see the world through the eyes of a pet ferret. I would not have any issues with having this book in an elementary, middle or high school library.
I think if the kids are not familiar with the Greek references to Hydra, then it's the perfect time to teach mythology!
DeleteClass Act by Jerry Craft
ReplyDeletea. Audience for whom the book is written: Grades 3-7, Ages 8-12
b. Audience to whom it will appeal (might differ from a): Grades 4-8
c. Particular strengths of the book: We see that many characters have stereotypes about the other characters. Issues covered in the book include differences in race, socioeconomics, and colorism. Craft weaves plenty of humor into the story to make an important story about understanding differences also fun and lighthearted at times. The author/illustrator does a nice job of using the images to add details and fun to the story.
d. Particular weaknesses of the book: Sometimes the perceptions of the characters seem oversimplified and some characters are stereotyped to the point of frustration. It leaves the reader wanting to learn more about them to figure out who they REALLY are, rather than one simplified stereotype.
e. Special considerations: This is Craft's sequel to the Newberry Medal and Coretta Scott King Award winning graphic novel, New Kid. Issues covered in the book include differences in race, socioeconomics, and colorism. Full-color graphic novel.
Teaching Guide: https://b0f646cfbd7462424f7a-f9758a43fb7c33cc8adda0fd36101899.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/teaching-guides/TG-9780062885517.pdf
Activity and Interview with Jerry Craft: https://forum.teachingbooks.net/2020/10/jerry-craft-on-class-act/#imagine
f. Verdict: Jerry Craft's New Kid is the sequel to his award-winning New Kid. The main character, Jordan, and his friends are in their 8th grade year at Riverdale Academy Day School, the private school they attend. As we read, we discover that many character have preconceived stereotypes of their fellow classmates, and they struggle to understand each other at times. Craft does a great job of using his fun illustrations to show emotion and tackle big topics such as racism, colorism, and socioeconomic differences, along with the everyday middle school antics of pre-teens. This is a must purchase for upper-elementary and middle school libraries!
Thank you for giving the class a detailed summary of this book last night.
DeleteLet's Talk About It: The Teen's Guide to Sex, Relationships, and Being a Human (A Graphic Novel)
ReplyDeletea. Audience for whom the book is written 14+
b. Audience to whom it will appeal (might differ from a) puberty aged humans with access to the internet
c. Particular strengths of the book: Its honest, thorough, and detailed. It covers so many real life topics, from consent, to body image to the differences between sex, sexuality, and gender, to sexting, to everything in between. It is a wonderful tool to helping parents talk about sex with their children.
d. Particular weaknesses of the book: it can be overwhelming for the younger aged kids if you only want to cover some topics in the book…once you open it, you are all in for all the topics, there is no going back.
e. Any special considerations (artwork, curriculum links, community values, beliefs espoused, etc.) It is SO inclusive!! There are transgender bodies, bodies of different colors, abilities, size, shape, and pretty much every thing you can think of represented in the book. It really helped with conversations and allowing for a safe space to ask questions
f. And, in School Library Journal's format: your verdict supported with details
I am going to go off script and give a more personalized review of this book. When I saw it on the reading list, I decided to buy an actual copy of it, as opposed to digital like all my other books, since it seemed like something that could be useful as my son, who is 11, got older. Well, I did not expect to need it a mere 6 weeks later! As it turned out, he was going to be on vacation when they planned to do the “Your Changing Body” presentation at school and he did not want to come back to school and be the only one not knowing things, so he said, Mom, let’s do this! So, I got out the book and we did! The book was incredibly helpful as it was very detailed and kept me on track so I didn’t forget anything in my awkwardness. There were plenty of pictures so he wasn’t curious about anything and I could confidently tell him not to google this stuff, just look at the picture here for now, this is plenty age-appropriate for now. The inclusiveness of the bodies allowed for a really safe place where he could ask questions about transgender people and how things work. There are kids that identify as trans in his 4-5th grade school, so this was good. He understands them more, and is more comfortable with what they are going through. So chapters we didn’t go through in very much detail, just skimmed them with brief discussion since he is only 11. Some chapters we spent a lot of time on and had deep conversations that revolved around family rules, morals, values, and expectations. Some chapters we left for him to explore on his own in more detail. Some of the content was too advanced for him, and we talked about how this a book that he will grow into, and not all of it is appropriate for an 11 year old. However, some chapters were exactly what we needed in that moment. Overall I would encourage families with tweens and teens to get this book, page through it, and have it on hand for when it is time for puberty to hit your house. If your teens are already there, this is an absolute must read!
Thank you for sharing all of this on the blog and last night in class. This is a very inclusive and representative book.
DeleteNew Kid by Jerry Craft
ReplyDeletea. Written for 9-12 year olds
b. Would appeal to upper elementary and middle school
c. Strengths: great contemporary story about a young black boy just living and experiencing life (as opposed to black protagonists always existing from a traumatic lens). The story realistically showed the trials and triumphs of navigating middle school.
d. Weaknesses: There wasn’t a huge plot to the story. It mostly just focuses on getting through the first year of middle school.
e. Special Considerations: Newberry winner, Coretta Scott King Author winner, Kirkus Prize winner
The book is filled with microagressions that the main character and other students of color experience in a mostly white/wealthy student population
f. Verdict: New Kid is a must-add for any elementary or middle school classroom or school library. It is an engaging and relatable story. It is also great to have graphic novel representation of a young black boy main character.
The microagressions in this book were also mentioned last night in class. Perhaps New Kid can be used as a teaching tool?
DeleteThe Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, Crystal Chan, and Stacy King
ReplyDeleteAudience for whom the book is written: Young Adult (ages 13+, grades 7+)
Audience to whom it will appeal: Older teens and adults
Particular strengths of the book: Manga style is greatly appealing to some; condenses the original lengthy book into a quickly readable format with visuals to help tell the story; retains major characters, plot points, motifs, and dialogue; engaging illustrations.
Particular weaknesses of the book: Manga style turns off some readers; some loss of Hawthorne’s original prose.
Any special considerations: Lovely manga artwork; Titlewave offers a sample lesson plan focusing on the visual imagery in the manga version; book has two positive reviews (from Booklist and School Library Journal)
Your verdict: The Scarlet Letter has long been considered a classic American novel and is commonly used in high schools and college. This story of a married woman who has a child with another man and chooses to continue living in the community that publicly shames and scorns her embodies love, shame, and revenge. This lovely manga version is a faithful adaptation that makes Hawthorne’s original novel more accessible to students. The metaphors, motifs, and dialogue from the original work are retained, and this version could work well as a companion text for students struggling with the original work.
You gave an excellent summary last night in class, both succinct and detailed. I was unaware that Titlewave offered a sample lesson plan.
DeleteWhen Stars Are Scattered - Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed
ReplyDeletea. Audience for whom the book is written: 9+ years old
b. Audience to whom it will appeal (might differ from a.) I agree with the 9+ and believe readers of any age, even much above 9 would enjoy this book. It could be a great first graphic novel experience for readers who have been reluctant to try the format.
c. Particular strengths of the book: This book is an empathy and compassion builder! This somewhat biographical memoir does a thorough job of relating the challenges, and dynamics experienced by boys and girls living in a refugee settlement. It provides insights into history, culture, customs, political processes, and the value of and access to education.
d. Particular weaknesses of the book: I am hard-pressed to think of any. The graphic novel format may be a hard sell to readers who are resistant to it.
e. Any special considerations (artwork, curriculum links, community values, beliefs espoused, etc.). The full color illustrations beautifully convey the elements of the story that are not expressed in text. This novel was a National Book Award Finalist. Omar Mohamed, whose story is told in the book, now lives in Pennsylvania and helps resettle refugees in the U.S. and, as the founder of Refugee Strong, provides educational resources to refugee children in Kenya.
f. And, in the School Library Journal’s tradition: This book should be required reading for anyone living in Central Minnesota, given the significant East African immigrant population. The narrator shares his emotional story in a way that creates an emotional connection to his experience. It could be a tool to reduce some xenophobia that may exist in our communities.
Messy Roots: A Graphic Memoir of a Wuhanese American by Laura Gao
ReplyDeleteAudience for whom the book is written: 14+
Audience to whom it will appeal: New adult
Particular strengths of the book: Gives a voice to people from Wuhan in a post-pandemic world.
Particular weaknesses of the book: The narrative bounces a little between today and her past. It is a little jostling.
Any special considerations: sketched line drawings mostly contained in panels dominated with reds, yellows, and blues.
Verdict: (14+) In this graphic memoir, Laura Gao explores how her Wuhanese roots have influenced her identity as a Chinese immigrant to the United States. While she touches on anti-Asian sentiments in a Post-COVID world, the graphic memoir is more focused on her own coming of age and coming out queer as a Chinese-American. Never really feeling like she fits in anywhere, Laura figures out who she is by rebelling against family expectations and societal stereotypes. Both her Wuhanese identity and American identity shine as she finds ways to embrace both. Exploring similar themes to other graphic novels such as American Born Chinese and I was Their American Dream and TV shows Fresh Off the Boat, Never Have I Ever, and Netflix Special Homecoming King. I would recommend this graphic memoir to secondary students, especially students born to immigrant parents.
Heartstopper by Alice Oseman
ReplyDeletea. Audience for whom the book is written: From the publisher, Heartstopper is written for grades 7-9.
b. Audience to whom it will appeal (might differ from a): Anyone 13+, those who are a fan of the Netflix series, those who like romances.
c. Particular strengths of the book: Nick and Charlie are so sweet and likeable! It makes the reader immediately want to root for the two of them and gives them an emotional stake in the story. It addresses serious topics such as figuring out your sexuality, bullying and an unhealthy relationship without feeling like a heavy or gritty story.
d. Particular weaknesses of the book: Considering the length of the book, the characters feel underdeveloped, although there is more to the story in later volumes. Also the drawings also feel a bit juvenile compared to the plot.
e. Any special considerations (artwork, curriculum links, community values, beliefs espoused, etc.): This book is part of a four volume (so far) series, it has also been turned into a Netflix television show.
f. And, in School Library Journal's format: your verdict supported with details: This is a story for the hopeless romantic who loves the early stages of a relationship. Nick and Charlie are assigned seats next to each in school and a friendship turned romance quickly blossoms. Despite dealing with many serious issues, the story manages to keep a wholesome and heartwarming feel as the reader quickly falls in love with both Nick and Charlie and their journey together.
A First Time for Everything- Dan Santat
ReplyDelete.
A. the audience for whom the book is written
Ages 9-12
B. Audience to whom it will appeal
Ages 10-14
C. Particular strengths of the book
Santat is on a class trip in Europe and the book highlights many of the historical features of his tour with factual information. Great for middle grades as it shows how awkward things can be for everyone.
D. Particular weaknesses of the book:
The age of the audience can often be confused with graphic novels. Not for early elementary students
E. Special considerations: Graphic Memoir.
F. Verdict: A middle-grade European adventure that highlights the awkward firsts and life lessons of Dan Santat. A great addition to a middle school library.