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!!!
I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys
ReplyDeletea. Grade 8 and up
b. History buffs, teens, and adults who want to read a part of history that is relatively unknown.
c. A rare-look at the youth-led rebellion that brought down the communist government of Romania. This book demonstrates the power and influence the youth have. 17-year-old Cristian Florescu shares a powerful, but haunting story that gives justice to a piece of history that has been forgotten. Likable characters and a storyline that is hard to put down.
d. Some of the event described in book could be disturbing
e. A great book to add to lessons focused around the destruction of the berlin wall and Western Europe's rebellion of communist government
f. A face-paced, gripling story of a Romanian teen fighting for his family, friends, and country I Must Betray you is a must read. "When justice cannot shape memory, remembering the past can be a form of justice."
You can watch the trailer from the publisher here: https://youtu.be/Vei9vBjrKUQ
ReplyDeleteWere you surprised that R J Palacio chose to do a graphic novel after the success of Wonder which was a more traditional, albeit multiple perspective, novel?
ReplyDeleteThis also just won the Coretta Scott King Illustrator award. The pictures reminded me of Jerry Craft in New Kid.
ReplyDeleteGenre: Historical
ReplyDeleteTitle: The Door of No Return
Author: Kwame Alexander
a. Intended audience: 5-8 grades
b. Likely audience: 6th grade and up
c. Strengths: Verse lends powerful emotion without a lot of words. Creation of characters and the settings. Focuses on the emotions more than the physical descriptions of bad events.
d. Weaknesses: Very intense events and emotions
e. Of Note: Violence, murder, death, rape (implied), slavery, kidnapping
f. Verdict, supported with detail:
Alexander creates the world of young Kofi in verse. We come to know Kofi over the first half of the book as a young teen going to school, dealing with bullies and family, and figuring out his feelings about a girl. Much like any teenager these days. We know the place is Africa in present day Ghana during 1860 and, along with the title The Door of No Return, we know Kofi’s life will soon change for the worse. Alexander’s verse lends powerful emotion to each horrible event without a lot of graphic detail. Unlike the dispassionate textbooks of history, this book is a powerful first-person point of view of this time in history. A necessary, but challenging read.
CNN has a video about the actual Door of No Return in Africa which might be helpful to show readers: https://www.cnn.com/videos/world/2018/07/16/inside-africa-ghana-african-slaves-elmina-castle-vision-a.cnn
DeleteIsla to Island by Alexis Castellanos
ReplyDeletea. 10+
b. 8+ (with guidance)
c. This book tells about the Pedro Pan children from Cuba, which is something I didn't know anything about. The panels are gorgeous. There are few words in the graphic novel and it starts in Spanish. This is powerful because you are on a journey with Marisol as she comes to America to be safe from her country. There is amazing use of lack of color until she starts to learn more about things in America and then color slowly comes back into the frames.
d. There is a lot of historical context that might take some explanation if a reader has no familiarity with Cuba, communism, etc. The Spanish may be hard for some readers if they have no interaction with the language.
e. Communism comes into play and so does civil warfare that might be triggering - the main character's window gets blown out. Refugee narrative throughout. Lots of visual representation of faith and Catholic values. Some bullying.
f. "Isla to Island" is a beautifully told story about a Cuban refugee and her realization that while her language and culture is different than her surroundings in America, there are some things that transcend language. This is a must for your graphic novel shelf, especially with the historical fiction piece.
I had never heard of Pedro Pan children from Cuba, but when I heard this book was about a book lover, I had to read it!
DeleteClouds over California by Karyn Parsons (ARC to be published July 11)
ReplyDeletea. Audience for whom the book is written: 3-7th Grade
b. Audience to whom it will appeal (might differ from a): 4-7th Grade
c. Particular strengths of the book:
I really liked it showed the Black Panthers in a light that wasn’t 100% scary. While the main character was trying to figure out who this group was, and how they were affecting people in her family, there was a scary, uncertain undertone. However, much more of the book was about the positive impact they had on the civil rights movement and their communities.
The importance of hair and the ability and right to take up space was huge in this book. Each character went through their own struggles of letting their hair define how they should, and could fit into the world.
d. Particular weaknesses of the book:
There was a plot line that indicated that the main character was not good at swimming. This was used to force her to share something with a family member. However, she was a skilled body-boarder, and this plot line didn’t connect to that narrative, which was disappointing. The ending also left a lot to be desired. There was such good build up of woman empowerment throughout the text that I wanted it to end on a high note, but it fell flat.
e. Any special considerations (artwork, curriculum links, community values, beliefs espoused, etc.)
A Civil Rights story focused on the positive impacts of the Black Panthers.
f. And, in School Library Journal's format: your verdict supported with details:
Unique family dynamics and the importance of community and female empowerment play a key role in this Historical Fiction that is centered around the Civil Rights movement in California during the 1970’s. A must read for anyone who is struggling to figure out how they fit into the world.
If you want to read more about the Black Panthers, I recommend this book: https://revolutioninourtime.com/
DeleteThe Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue
ReplyDeleteby Mackenzi Lee
a. Audience for whom the book is written: 13+
b. Audience to whom it will appeal (might differ from a): fans of queer historical fiction
c. Particular strengths of the book: At first glance a light, fun romp through eighteenth century Europe, this book features characters with some real depth to them. The relationships between the protagonist and the love interest, as well as the protagonist and his father and sister, are complex as well as relatable. The story is told in the protagonist's often very funny voice, which will be appealing to readers who enjoy lighter stories, and the romance is very sweet.
d. Particular weaknesses of the book: A bit on the long side, this might discourage reluctant or struggling readers. The protagonist is also a bit of a rogue/playboy, particularly at the beginning, which may make this book less suitable for middle-school readers.
e. Any special considerations (artwork, curriculum links, community values, beliefs espoused, etc.)
f. Verdict: This story is a sweet romance with a relatable protagonist and a fun voice that will easily win over fans of light historical fiction and queer romances. Recommended especially for high school libraries looking to diversify their historical fiction shelves.
Yes, 528 pages is a long one!
DeleteLast Night at the Telegraph Club
ReplyDeleteMalinda Lo
a. Audience: grades 9-12
b. Audience to whom it will appeal: grades 9-12; anyone going through the similar experience of feeling different and standing out not only for how they look but who they love.
c. Strengths: compelling story; great detail about San Francisco and Chinatown; really shows Lily’s struggle with her identity in the Chinese-American community, as well as her new feelings of being attracted to women.
d. Weaknesses: pacing of the story was a bit slow at times; a younger reader may lose interest.
e. Any special considerations: the author’s note at the end gives great context of the time period and why Chinese Americans and immigrants were faced with suspicion and racism, as well as why homosexuals had to hide their activities (like congregating at bars). Lo interviewed Asian lesbian women who lived in SF in the 1950s and frequented clubs like the Telegraph Club to get perspective on their experiences.
f. Verdict: I would definitely keep and recommend this book to anyone who may feel different. Lily did not want to do typically “girly” things: she was interested in space travel, didn’t care to go to school dances, didn’t want to date boys, and realized she liked girls. Lily has to keep this last one a secret, especially since her father is under scrutiny by the FBI, and her being a known lesbian would put him under closer observation. I think a student feeling like their parents’ expectations are not their own desires would find this book interesting.
Beth Robins
There was a sequel published in October: A Scatter of Light https://www.amazon.com/Scatter-Light-Malinda-Lo/dp/0525555285
DeleteThree Strike Summer by Skyler Schrempp
ReplyDeletea. Audience for whom the book is written: Grades 3-7, Ages 8-12
b. Audience to whom it will appeal: Grades 3-7, Ages 8-12
c. Particular strengths of the book: Baseball lovers may enjoy this book, as the character is determined to play baseball, and her focus is solely on that throughout the book. Gloria is a likable main character. Her strong will, determination, and love for her family keep us engaged throughout the story. The other characters in the book are well-developed too. The author's note in the back of the book gives readers great background knowledge about the Dust Bowl era and refugee families like Gloria Mae's. This provides great historical context to the story. The author also provides a list of other books about the Great Depression and kids who lived through it, for those wanting to read more like this one.
d. Particular weaknesses of the book: There are no characters of color mentioned in the book (however the author does explain the reason for this in her author's note at the end of the book).
e. Special considerations: This book deals with the Great Depression era. Issues in the book include: homelessness, poverty, inequality for girls/women. Four starred reviews. ALA Notable Children's Recording 2023.
Discussion Guide: https://d28hgpri8am2if.cloudfront.net/tagged_assets/11664193/9781534499140_cg_three%20strike%20summer%20guide.pdf
f. Verdict: Three Strike Summer takes the reader from a small farm in Oklahoma to a peach farm in California, as Gloria Mae Willard's family loses their home to bankruptcy after the dust storms hit. The family is in search of work and a better life. Life is hard on the peach farm. However, Gloria is thrilled to discover that there is a secret baseball team that some of the boys have put together. Now, she just needs to convince them to let her play. The story is narrated by Gloria, and readers feel her determination, fear and anger as she describes what is happening to her and those around her. This book will appeal to readers interested in the Dust Bowl era and lovers of baseball alike. It is a good purchase for elementary and middle school libraries, as well as public libraries.
You might pair this with Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse
DeleteThree Strike Summer
ReplyDeleteBy Skyler Schrempp
a. Audience for whom the book is written: ages 8-12 years, grades 3-7
b. Audience to whom it will appeal (might differ from a) Grades 3-7
c. Particular strengths of the book: this book is very relatable both with the characters and the story line. The characters have qualities that you will see in any elementary/middle school, and the parents are dealing with work issues that translate easily to modern times. The story of the Dust Bowl and the trip to California to find work is fascinating and accurate
d. Particular weaknesses of the book: being in the historical fiction category could turn people away, even though they would enjoy the story, is not inclusive at all….all characters are white.
e. Any special considerations (artwork, curriculum links, community values, beliefs espoused, etc.) Historically relevant, based on true events.
f. And, in School Library Journal's format: your verdict supported with details
After the Dust Bowl leaves Gloria’s family in bankruptcy, they pack up what belongings they have left and travel west to find work in California. Gloria has dreams of playing baseball during a time when “skirts” aren’t allowed on the team. Gloria’s parents have a dream of owning land and providing for their children. Life in the California orchards as pickers isn’t what anyone dreamed it would be. This story tells of hardships, conflict, grief, outrage, and gritty determination all wrapped up with humor, love, and team bonds stronger than anything. This story, while providing historical context to the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression, does lack inclusive. The author’s note is helpful in providing more information on the reasons behind that. This book is recommended to be part of large collections where Great Depression historical fiction is popular.
You might pair this with Get a Grip Vivy Cohen
DeleteThe Most Dazzling Girl in Berlin by Kipp Wilson
ReplyDeletea. Audience for whom the book is written: 13+
b. Audience to whom it will appeal (might differ from a): 14+, LGBTQA+, students interested in absent narratives from history
c. Particular strengths of the book: Untold narrative of a queer singer in 1930s Berlin as Hitler rises to power, beautiful romance without a focus on sex, very diverse set of characters
d. Particular weaknesses of the book: I could see this book getting noticed by parents/staff in conservative areas for LGBTQA+ reasons. The story ends abruptly.
e. Any special considerations (artwork, curriculum links, community values, beliefs espoused, etc.): There are a lot of things you could pull in with WWII, history of music, and how someone can rise to power. There are songs mentioned throughout too that could be listened to.
f. And, in School Library Journal's format: your verdict supported with details: Your high school historical fiction readers will love this story about Hilde as we travel along with her in Berlin as she ages out of her orphanage and needs to survive. When she finds a job, and love in a Jewish dancer, at an underground queer nightclub, Hilde learns about who she is and what that means as a queer woman in 1930s Berlin.
We will talk tonight how historical fiction is an effective vehicle for non-fiction pairings and exploration into time periods such as WWII.
Delete
ReplyDeleteSelf-Made Boys- A Great Gatsby Remix by Anna-Marie McLemore
a. Written for 13-18 year olds
b. Would appeal to high school and above
c. Strengths: the reimagined characters of Nick and Jay Gatsby as two young trans men had a lot of depth to them. It was interesting to see so many characters with marginalized identities navigate 1920s high society. In reality, there were most likely people in real life during this time who were lgbtq+ who had to adapt in order to survive and not be ostracized from society. The author was also great at acknowledging racism and queerphobia without using any slurs. This remix also still contains the same level of glitz and glam as the original story.
d. Weaknesses: the retelling misses some of the themes of the original story
e. Special Considerations: National Book Award Longlist Selection, own voices author, includes BIPOC characters who are also part of the LGBTQ+ community, characters experience racism and homophobia/transphobia
f. Verdict: Self Made Boys and the entire Remixed Classics Series are must adds to the high school library. These novels are a great way for students to be exposed to classic stories that include a broader spectrum of humanity.
Louisa June and the Nazis in the Waves by L.M. Elliott
ReplyDeletea) It is upper elementary (grades 3-7) according to the publisher.
b) Various reviews suggest anywhere from ages 8-13. It is definitely of interest to middle schoolers up to grade 8, maybe even grade 9, but the reading level is right around 5th grade.
c) Strengths are: historically accurate events; real-life difficulties of American families during WWII; topics of mental health, loss/grief, and women’s rights are covered
d) No real weaknesses, but I do feel that this book probably appeals more to girls than boys based on its cover, title, and female protagonist
e) Excellent author’s note at the end explaining the true events that shaped this book along with historical photographs. There is even information on how mental illness has historically been viewed and treated along with current information on getting help if someone in your family suffers from depression or other mental illnesses. Five *starred* reviews: Booklist, Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, School Library Connection, and School Library.
f) Verdict – Based on the true stories of merchant vessels being sunk along the Atlantic coast during World War II, this historical novel follows a Tidewater, Virginia, family (especially the youngest child, 12 year old Louisa June) as the family deals with mental health issues, loss, grief, guilt, war, and national security. Although many, many books have been written about WWII, this pleasing book focuses on a little-known part of the war and how an American tween’s world is forever changed. At times emotional and at other times exciting, this satisfying book will engage many middle school readers.
Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson
ReplyDeletea. Audience for whom the book is written: Grade 7-12, middle grades plus.
b. Audience to whom it will appeal: Adults who enjoy historical fiction, especially ones that involve westward expansion and homesteading.
c. Particular strengths of the book: This book has a strong female protagonist who is determined to be successful. She is an orphan and at age sixteen faces, head on, many challenges that most women in 1917 wouldn't dare even attempt to do alone. It is realistic to the time, and transports the reader back in time to a simpler but not necessarily an easier time.
d. Particular weaknesses of the book: Most young adult novels tend to have a happy or positive/hopeful ending. This book could be considered to not have a happy ending depending upon how the reader interprets it.
e. Any special considerations: This book would pair well with U.S. history units of the same time period. It also contains some World War I references. It is a Newbery Honor book.
f. And, in School Library Journal's format: your verdict: This is a great historical fiction novel that accurately portrays many of the hopes, dreams, and challenges and disappointments that faced many homesteading pioneers in the West. This story is told from the point of view of Hattie, and orphaned sixteen year old girl who is very much on her own. I feel like it would be a great class read aloud book that would spark many great class discussions. I would highly recommend putting this book in both my middle and high school libraries. This book has a sequel titled Hattie Ever After.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys
ReplyDeleteAudience for whom the book is written: 12-17 year olds
Audience to whom it will appeal: 12+ anyone interested in Cold War or Eastern European history
Particular strengths of the book: Well-researched. Writing is well-paced and detailed enough for the readers to understand the struggle of living under constant surveillance with limited resources.
Particular weaknesses of the book: My only critique is that it could have done without the romance.
Any special considerations: Winner of the The Josette Frank Award. Includes pictures in the back.
My Verdict: 12+ Thinking his best friend betrayed him, Cristian is forced into becoming an informer in Communist Romanian ruled by a dictator and his wife. Torn between saving his outspoken grandfather who is dangerously critical of the government regime and spying on the American diplomat’s son who has recently befriended him, Cristian struggles to do what is right. Full of real life details, I Must Betray You depicts life in the late 1980s as communists implement brutal ways to maintain control included extortion, torture and murder. This book is a must have for secondary libraries.
Three Strike Summer by Skyler Schrempp
ReplyDeletea. Audience for whom the book is written: Grades 3-7
b. Audience to whom it will appeal (might differ from a): Grades 3-7, baseball fans, readers who like bold and outspoken main characters.
c. Particular strengths of the book: With its emphasis on baseball, it interests readers who may not normally pick up a book on the dust bowl and the great depression. Pairs nicely with SEL topics like empathy and curriculum topics like unionizing, labor laws, the red scare, and environmental science by providing an introduction to these topics without going too deep into them and turning away readers.
d. Particular weaknesses of the book: After finishing the book I couldn't figure out how old the main character was supposed to be, which is convenient for plot purposes but not for believability. Lack of diversity.
e. Any special considerations (artwork, curriculum links, community values, beliefs espoused, etc.): Author's note at the end contains historical context and additional suggested reading.
f. And, in School Library Journal's format: your verdict supported with details: After losing their family farm, Gloria's family heads California to look for work and ends up picking peaches admit terrible work conditions. Despite dealing with all of this and a family loss, Gloria is hyper fixated on one thing - getting to play baseball with the boys. pride. This is a great book to introduce readers to the Dust Bowl and Great Depression, and with its ability to be paired with a variety of topics it is a must have for the elementary and middle school library.
Refugee - Alan Gratz
ReplyDeletea. Audience for whom the book is written: 10-14 years old
b. Audience to whom it will appeal (might differ from a.) This book could appeal to readers older than 14. The story is gripping, though the main characters are younger children.
c. Particular strengths of the book: A true page-turner! The chapters in this book are short and end in a way that urges readers to read on. Gratz does a great job of weaving three refugee experiences, from different time and place, into one novel. His descriptive writing helps the readers to imagine themselves alongside the characters, within the action. The historical references anchor the fictional story and are explained in notes at the end of the novel.
d. Particular weaknesses of the book: I would usually say that it is hard to keep track of three different storylines in one book. However, the characters and settings are distinct enough that I think young readers could follow along without getting lost in the who and where of each chapter.
e. Any special considerations (artwork, curriculum links, community values, beliefs espoused, etc.). The novel does include peril and gore. Mention is made of concentration camps, torture, execution, drowning, and blood. This book could spur debate about legal and illegal immigration—particularly in Florida. Refugee would be a great tool in Language Arts classes to compare setting, characters, points of view, etc.
f. And, in the School Library Journal’s tradition: Refugee, like When Stars are Scattered, builds compassion and empathy for the refugee experience. Whether fleeing Cuba, Syria, or Nazi Germany, the characters balance hope for the future with trauma, past and present. Even reluctant readers could be pulled into this fast-paced, intense novel. It is a ‘must-have’ book for the library collection and would be a compelling read-aloud or class-read!
I Must Betray You- Ruta Sepetys
ReplyDeleteA. the audience for whom the book is written
Ages 12-18
B. Audience to whom it will appeal
Ages 14-18
C. Particular strengths of the book:
Wonderful depiction of Communist Romania in 1989. The author does an excellent job of developing feelings of mistrust and rebellion. The book shows the many ways the government used to oppress its people. Great historical information about the unknown communist Romania.
D. Particular weaknesses of the book:
May need some research or support, great whole class read to allow for deeper understanding and discussion.
E. Special considerations:
F. Verdict: A moving depiction of the Romanian Revolution. Shining light on a little know piece of world history, this book is a must-have on all high school library shelves.