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: Revolution in Our Time: The Black Panthers promise to the people
ReplyDeleteAuthor: Kekia Magoon
a. Intended audience: Age 12
b. Likely audience: Those interested in the topic, grade 8+
c. Strengths: Easy to follow events, you won’t get lost in a sea of names; highlighting the variations of perceptions of the Black Panthers, within and outside the organization.
d. Weaknesses: Beginning with (perceived) inflammatory wordage which will grab readers' attention but may scare off other readers – the ones who should read it the most. For example, statements like “the racist government”.
e. Of Note: Audio book read by calm, small, young sounding female; comes with downloadable images of the main people talked about in the book. The metaphors of an earthquake and of a seed growing are used throughout the chapters about Black history prior to the Black Panther Movement. Good for expanding a library’s Black history titles; don’t let it be the sole title.
f. Verdict, supported with detail:
The little talked about, in mainstream classrooms, Black Panther Party (BPP) greatly affected the nation's understanding and vocabulary around inequity. While the events and people involved are many and varied, you will not get lost in a sea of names. While the author uses provocative wordage, much like the BPP itself in the mid 20th century, she reminds readers of the variations of perception and depth of commitment to the movement. Verdict: Good for expanding Black history collections in high school libraries, however, round it out with other aspects of the Civil Rights Movement and Black history.
This is a good documentary about the Black Panthers from PBS that supports much of what Kekla Magoon includes in her book. I was able to stream it through the Hoopla app from my public library: https://www.pbs.org/independentlens/documentaries/the-black-panthers-vanguard-of-the-revolution/
ReplyDeleteStamped: Racism, Anti-Racism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi
ReplyDeletea. Grades 7 and up
b. Ages 12 to adult, readers of history, and ones who want to learn more about perspectives left out of American textbooks
c. Stamped fosters a space for young adults to learn about American history and racism in a clear and detailed way.
d. Language could be triggered for some readers
e. Another perspective when learning about American history. Great add for book clubs or mentor text.
f. Recommend for middle and high school libraries, Reynolds and Kendi rewrite a part of U.S history that is accessible and will leave a lasting impression on any reader.
I was really impressed with how accessible they made historical concepts. Much of what as covered in that book I did not learn until college!
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ReplyDelete"This Book is Anti-Racist" by Tiffany Jewell, illustrated by Aurelia Durand
ReplyDeletea. Audience for whom the book is written: ages 10-18
b. Audience to whom it will appeal (might differ from a): anyone ages 10+ who wants to better understand and combat racism.
c. Particular strengths of the book: This succinct illustrated guide provides a bird's-eye view of the history and present-day reach of racism, defining terms and giving concrete examples in a down-to-earth tone. There are many activities included for readers to do as they read each chapter, which makes this book feel interactive and gives it the potential to draw the reader directly into the work of anti-racism.
d. Particular weaknesses of the book: Although this book is excellent for giving a broad overview of racism, its compactness does mean it doesn't offer in-depth details or analyses of particular elements or historical events. Although this makes it an excellent starting point for research, it would not make the best resource for students wanting a more specific deep dive into a particular element or person.
e. Any special considerations (artwork, curriculum links, community values, beliefs espoused, etc.)
f. Verdict: This Book is Anti-Racist is a compact and easy-to-digest book that provides both an overview of racism as well as practical pointers on how to combat it. A must-buy for all middle and high school libraries.
Would you pair this one with the YA version of Stamped?
DeleteInaugural Ballers: The True Story of the First U.S. Women's Olympic Basketball Team by Andrew Maraniss
ReplyDeletea. Audience for whom the book is written: 12+
b. Audience to whom it will appeal: 12+
c. Particular strengths of the book:The author provides a thorough background of the history of women in basketball. Numerous interviews and black and white photos dispersed throughout the book provide depth on context.
d. Particular weaknesses of the book: Because Maraniss is so thorough in his description of the history of women's basketball, at times it's easy to get lost in a sea of names and details.
e. Any special considerations: Black and white photos throughout the book provide historical context. Notes in the back of the book support details in each chapter. Rosters, statistics, and box scores for each of the 1976 Olympic games are listed at the back of the book. Issues addressed in the book include: sexism, women's rights, and racism.
f. Verdict: Author Andrew Maraniss provides an in-depth history and description of women's basketball, from the informal beginnings in 1891 to the first appearance at an Olympic games in 1976, and beyond. The interview snippets and photos provide context for the reader, as we learn how women fought against sexism and racism to play the game they loved. Readers find themselves rooting for these brave and determined women. Not only did they have a profound effect on the sport of basketball, but on all women's sports. This is an essential purchase for middle and high schools.
I think this would be a good book to introduce to kids who also love sports fiction titles.
DeleteNot All Boys Are Blue
ReplyDeleteBy George M Johnson
a. Audience for whom the book is written: Ages 14-18, Grade 9and up
b. Audience to whom it will appeal (might differ from a) Ages 14+, LGBTQIA+ identifying humans
c. Particular strengths of the book: gives a voices to black queen identities, helps people who need a voice when they themselves don’t have theirs yet, explores transgender journeys, explores gay journeys, explores coming to terms with abuse.
d. Particular weaknesses of the book: its heavy, its powerful, and its one of the most banned books in the US, so getting in the hands of the readers who need it most may be difficult
e. Any special considerations (artwork, curriculum links, community values, beliefs espoused, etc.)
Featured on Good Morning America and Fox Soul
Amazon Best Book of the Year
CNN Summer Read Pick
Teen Vogue Recommended Read
Buzzfeed Recommended Read
People Magazine Best Book of the Summer
An Indie Bestseller
An ALA Rainbow List Pick
A New York Library Best Book of 2020
A Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2020
A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2020
Publishers Weekly Anti-Racist Reading List Pick
2021 Texas Topaz Nonfiction Reading List Pick
f. And, in School Library Journal's format: your verdict supported with details
George Johnson brings us along on his journey of growing up knowing something was different about himself, but not understanding what. We get a front row seat as he navigates his life learning about his identity as a Black queer man. His stories range from childhood bullies to friendships that have stood the test of time, to sexual abuse, to society trying to shape into something he is not, to his thoughts on the education system, and much more. As he grows up, he finds the language and understanding to put words to his true self, and he learns how to live authentically. While some language and content is graphic and may be unsettling, Johnson keeps the tone of the book appropriate for the older teenage audience in which it is intended. In a time when representation is literally a matter of life and death, All Boys Aren’t Blue is a must have for all high school library collections.
Look at the awards this book has won!
DeleteClose-Up on War, by Mary Cronk Farrell
ReplyDeletea. Audience: 12 years old/7th grade and up
b. Audience to whom it will appeal: Older young adults, 9th-12th grades
c. Strengths: Catherine Leroy’s early career is covered extensively and the book shows many of her photographs from the Vietnam War, especially ones for which she won awards.
d. Weaknesses: while there are MANY photographs every few pages, this book is densely written and younger readers may lose interest, which is why I stated this book would appeal more to an older teen audience.
e. Any special considerations: Features Leroy’s photographs as well as others’ to show the conditions journalists worked in during the war.
f. Verdict: This is a keep, if just for the photos. This book appealed to me because of my background with military deployments. While I went to arid Iraq, Catherine was in 1960s Vietnam: lush, rainy, and much more hostile. As a journalist she was able to hop in and out as needed, while the troops had no choice but to stay. I admired that she sought out the biggest fights and stayed to document the aftermath. Time after time the book recounts how she caught flights and helicopters to remote areas and dropped in with supplies and embedded herself with the soldiers and marines. She even made a jump with paratroopers, since in France she had already made 84 jumps and was an experienced skydiver. She went from her home in France to formerly French-controlled Vietnam almost on a whim, with one camera and little experience. She was 22, barely 5 ft tall, weighed 85 pounds, and knew little English. By the book's account she was mostly accepted by the troops she photographed, but as with any woman in a “man’s world” there were people who did not like her there. She persevered and delivered enigmatic photographs showing the truth of the war: the devastation of not only the American forces, but of the Northern Vietnamese counterattacks. So many of her photos in the book are so full of emotion my heart broke for the subjects. She was even taken hostage for a short time, and even then was still documenting, asking her captors to let her photograph them before they released her. She was fearless. After Vietnam Leroy continued her combat photography, couldn’t shake her PTSD, and eventually died of cancer at age 61 in 2006. She is someone who should be remembered, not only for her photographs, but also for her bravery.
-Beth Robins
This would pair well with another book on our list: Picturing a Nation: The Great Depression’s Finest Photographers Introduce
DeleteAmerica to Itself by Martin W. Sandler
From Emily:
ReplyDeleteTitle: Star Child: A Biographical Constellation of Octavia Estelle Butler
Author: Ibi Zoboi
a. Audience for whom the book is written: 10-13 years
b. Audience to whom it will appeal (might differ from a): 8+
c. Particular strengths of the book: A biography told through multi-genres of quotes, poetry, photos, and biographical prose keeps attention and is unlike any middle grade biography that I have seen.
d. Particular weaknesses of the book: I could see some students skipping over whichever genre they don’t care for.
e. Any special considerations (artwork, curriculum links, community values, beliefs espoused, etc.): The audiobook is partially read by the author to separate the genres of poetry and prose while listening. Mentions of Black servitude. The visuals throughout the book flow very well through each genre. Photos add so much to this biography.
f. And, in School Library Journal's format/your verdict supported with details: Ibi Zoboi has brought another author to life again! “Star Child: A Biographical Constellation of Octavia Estelle Butler”, a Coretta Scott King Award Honor book, keeps the readers’ attentions by teaching about Octavia Estelle Butler and her contributions to science fiction writing. A must for your shelves and a great piece for any Black history displays or female author spotlights.
How would you promote this book to someone who has never heard of Octavia Estelle Butler?
DeleteBomb: A Graphic Novel by Steve Sheinkin and illustrated by Nick Bertozzi.
ReplyDeleteAudience for whom the book is written: Grades 7-10
Audience to whom it will appeal: Grades 7+, people who are interested in WWII history and weapons and the origins of the Cold War.
Particular strengths of the book: Well-researched. Lots of historical information about the people, places and events that worked together to create the bombs. The author included information about the science behind the different atomic bombs and what the scientists were trying to accomplish and the setbacks they faced.
Particular weaknesses of the book: Written in graphic novel form, I wasn’t a huge fan of one of the fonts they chose to use. All of the “U”s looked like “Li”s which made it difficult to read sometimes. Also, the layout of the panels was sometimes confusing and it wasn’t always intuitive if you should read right-to-left or top-down.
Any special considerations: This is a graphic edition of the book “Bomb: The Race to Build—and Steal--the World's Most Dangerous Weapon” by Steve Sheinkin. The book was a Newbery Honor book, a National Book Awards finalist for Young People's Literature, and a Washington Post Best Kids Books of the Year title.
Verdict:(12+) I’m a little biased when it comes to books about the Manhattan Project. Born and raised in Los Alamos myself, the history of the “town on the hill” has always fascinated me. The story of the atomic bomb is framed within the story of the arrest of Harry Gold, a courier who passed secrets from a scientist to the Russian Government. The book did a good job of introducing the most important people, like Robert Oppenheimer and Leslie Groves– even Albert Einstein makes a cameo. The author included stories I wasn’t familiar with like Norwegian soldiers sabotaging a water plant in Norway to slow the German’s development of an atomic bomb and the story of two spies who smuggled secrets to Russia. Finally, I think the author did a good job showing the moral conflict after the scientists built the bombs and they were dropped on Japan. Oppenheimer is famously known for his opposition to continued arms development, which ended with him losing his security clearance. I liked that the ending was not a celebration of the bomb's creation, despite the propaganda that it was a “weapon to end all wars.” Instead, it ended with a more ominous tone stating that with more than 13,000 nuclear bombs stockpiled today, this story is not over. I’d recommend this book for any secondary library, especially where graphic novels and World War II history are popular.
May I also recommend Fallout also by Steve Sheinkin about the Cold War? And, if you are interested in an adult film about the Cold War, I would recommend The Courier starring Benedict Cumberbatch.
DeleteStar Child: A Biographical Constellation of Octavia Estelle Butler by Ibi Zoboiby
ReplyDeletea. From the publisher: Age 10 and up
b. Wide agreement of age 10+. Appeals to adults as well.
c. Strengths – Interesting! Multi-modal. Quick read. Butler will be unfamiliar to some, so this is a great introduction to her and to the times in which she lived (filled with racism and politics).
d. Weaknesses – The prose sections were somewhat choppy and juvenile. The sentence structure in those sections is suitable for younger readers, but to me, that simplistic way of writing is at odds with the lovely poetry included in the book and is too immature for older readers.
e. Awards, awards, and more awards: Coretta Scott King Author Honor Book, We Need Diverse Books Walter Dean Myers Honor Book, ALA Notable Children’s Book, NPR Best Book of the Year, New York Public Library Best Book of the Year, Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year, Boston Globe Best Book of the Year, Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year, and School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
f. What a lovely, unique biography! Although I know of Butler as a Black science fiction writer, I actually know very little about her, so I drank this biography thirstily. With its multi-modal format, including prose, original verse from the biographer, photos, scans from Butler’s childhood notebook, and quotes from her interviews, it is an engaging, interesting read. I like its galactic vibe since Butler is a sci-fi writer--it's the perfect theme. This is a great addition to middle school and high school biography collections.
I have the same question for you Tina as I did for Emily above who read the same book. How would you promote this to people who are unfamiliar with Octavia Estelle Butler?
DeleteDisability Visibility (Adapted for Young Adults): 17 First Person Stories for Today by Alice Wong
ReplyDeletea. Audience for whom the book is written: Grades 7-12
b. Audience to whom it will appeal: This book would appeal to any student that has a disability, or any students who have family members with a disability. It would also be a great read for anyone who teaches, or works with students who have disabilities.
c. Particular strengths of the book: Each story in this book is told from the perspective of the person who is living with a disability. Each section, or new persons story, starts with a content note that briefly names elements of the story's content that could be used as either trigger warnings, or as a quick reference if the reader was searching for specific content within a story. This is a great "window" book into the lives of people who are living with disabilities and the challenges they face and overcome on a daily basis.
d. Particular weaknesses of the book: Some of the stories seemed to end abruptly or do not resolve in a way that leaves the reader satisfied. They felt unfinished. It might be hard for younger students to get into this book or be able to finish it because they may not be able to relate to some of the people and situations in this book.
e. Any special considerations (artwork, curriculum links, community values, beliefs espoused, etc.) This book could be used as a non-fiction companion to books like Wonder by R. J. Palacio. You could use one story or persons account from this book that most aligns with the fiction story you are reading. For example there in one of the stories a girls face is referred to as a Picasso.
f. And, in School Library Journal's format: your verdict supported with details: This is a book that should be on every middle and high school library's shelves. These are stories that need to be told and read/heard. If we are going to change the way society views and treats people with disabilities, we need to see the world from their point of view and this book does that.
You mention "a face like Picasso." There is actually a book that came out recently and has won several awards this year called A Face for Picasso: Coming of Age with Crouzon Syndrome by Ariel Henley.
ReplyDeleteVictory, Stand! Raising My Fist For Justice by Tommie Smith, Derrick Barnes and Dawud Anyabwile
ReplyDeletea. Written for 13-18 year olds
b. Would appeal to middle school, high school and beyond
c. Strengths: Strong, detailed account of Tommie Smith’s life, and the impact of his Olympic Performance. The graphic novel format will be intriguing to readers
d. Weaknesses: It would have been nice to have some actual photographs of the iconic fist up Olympic moment to go along with the graphic novel portrayal.
e. Special Considerations: graphic novel, 2023 YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults Award winner
f. Verdict: An excellent addition to the biography or memoir section of a middle school or high school library.
(I had posted it in the incorrect section earlier today)
ReplyDeleteStamped: Racism, Anti-Racism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi
a. Grades 7 and up
b. Ages 12 to adult.
c. Particular Strengths: This book is framed as “not a history book” as in it isn’t written like any other history book you’ve read. The audio book is narrated by Jason Reynolds (with introduction by Ibram X. Kendi). This enables you to hear Reynolds' conversational tone that he is able to translate to paper. A great depiction of history that is often left out of US history books.
d. Particular Weaknesses: High probability of being challenged in conservative districts due to the title and the content of the text.
e. Special Considerations: Odyssey Award for Excellence in Audiobook Production 2021
f. Verdict. If you enjoy reading and learning about a side of history that isn’t found in history books, this book is for you. Highly recommend having the physical book and audio book available to middle school and high school students across the country. A must read for anyone wanting, or needing, to broaden their perspective of understanding race and its impacts on society throughout history.
All Boys Aren't Blue by George Johnson
ReplyDeletea. Audience for whom the book is written: According to the publisher this book is written for those 14+.
b. Audience to whom it will appeal (might differ from a): Those 14+ who are questioning their sexual or gender identity, identify as LGBTQIA, are interested in reading about the cross section between racial identity and gender/sexual identity, especially black, queer, individuals.
c. Particular strengths of the book: Powerful, they don't hold back on using their unique voice to share their life experiences as a black queer individual and how these two particular identities interact together. Meant and written for the specific audience mentioned above, the book serves as an important resource for those who need it.
d. Particular weaknesses of the book: Very raw and intense, strong language, occasionally graphic, not for sheltered individuals. As a frequently banned book it is also incredibly likely to be challenged.
e. Any special considerations (artwork, curriculum links, community values, beliefs espoused, etc.): Description of violence, sexual abuse
f. And, in School Library Journal's format: your verdict supported with details: An incredibly gritty and raw read, George Johnson's memoir reflects on their elementary, high school, and college experiences as a black, queer individual, weaving in their commentary on society, racial identity, and sexual identity along the way. Some parts are graphic and the language used is strong, and their sexual abuse is hard to read about, they push boundaries along the way of telling their story. This book is not for everyone, however, it is the exact book needed for someone going through similar situations who feels like they are alone and don't have anyone to talk to. Having it available may change their life. For this reason alone, this book is a must have in a high school, college, or public library.
The Boys in the Boat - Daniel James Brown
ReplyDeletea. Audience for whom the book is written: 10-14 years old
b. Audience to whom it will appeal (might differ from a.) This story would appeal to readers much older that 14. There is an adult edition that is twice as long and includes extensive detail. This young adult version could be a nice alternative for older readers with less interest in historic, non-essential detail.
c. Particular strengths of the book: Daniel James Brown writes about this legendary crew in a way that feels deeply personal. Joe Rantz, from whose perspective the story is told, is the father of the author’s neighbor. Dan Brown met and talked with Joe Rantz often, which inspires confidence in the accuracy of the information. Readers will find themselves cheering for the team and maybe even rocking back and forth in their seats trying to urge the boat on with the cadence of the coxswain.
d. Particular weaknesses of the book: Coxswain, the name for the team member that steers the boat, could spur giggles from young adolescent readers. Given that this is a non-fiction work, it may lack some of the twists and tricks fiction writers use to make stories more engaging.
e. Any special considerations (artwork, curriculum links, community values, beliefs espoused, etc.). Possible triggering topics: death of mother, abandoned by father, poverty. The Berlin 1936 Olympic Games are featured in this story. Nazi Germany was establishing itself through propaganda and making its plans for what came to be the Holocaust. This gives an ominous feeling to this story. The Boys in the Boat could pair well with other books, be they fiction or non-fiction, on the topic of the Holocaust, especially for readers that want to know more about ‘what happened next’.
f. And, in the School Library Journal’s tradition: This is a story of hope and doubt, self-reliance and teamwork, triumph and defeat, boys and a boat. Daniel Brown weaves the excitement of sport and competition with the agony of overcoming obstacles and persisting through the Great Depression and the onset of a second world war. The young adult version of The Boys in the Boat is tailored to the interest and attention spans of younger readers and would be an excellent addition to a non-fiction collection. I can’t imagine the library would already have too many non-fiction stories about a gold-medal winning, US rowing team!
Astrophysics for Young People in a Hurry- Neil Degrasse Tyson
ReplyDeleteA. the audience for whom the book is written
Ages 9-12
B. Audience to whom it will appeal
Ages 12-14
C. Particular strengths of the book:
Tyson does a great job of taking a huge concept of astrophysics and making it easily accessible for young people. The book explores the history of astrophysics as well as the major concepts of the universe. Wonderfully understandable as well as engaging.
D. Particular weaknesses of the book:
Requires a basic understanding of astrophysics and space.
E. Special considerations:
F. Verdict: Easily to digest, Tyson’s silly depiction of astrophysics helps students engage in and understand more of the universe than they may have ever been compelled to learn. This book is great for those interested in science and space exploration. This book can help promote excitement for the universe and astrophysics.