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 the School Library Journal’s format: Your verdict, supported with details
No plot summaries and no spoilers please. Failure to follow that rule will result in revocation of your authoring rights, guaranteed!!
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ReplyDeleteMy Choice Book was "Wink, Poppy, Midnight".
ReplyDeleteA) As a media specialist, I believe the author wrote this book for young adults, high school as opposed to middle school, to broaden their view about assuming things about people.
B) As a media specialist, I think this would appeal to students who enjoy realistic fiction, but also those who enjoy fantasy. I would probably recommend this book to students who say they do not enjoy fantasy in order to broaden their horizons.
C) The book is though-provoking, mysterious, and unexpected. It challenges people's assumptions of characters and allows students to explore their world in a new way by shattering their reality. This book provides perspectives students never would consider outside literature and cultivates their minds to grow in new understandings. The fragmented way in which the book is written (from three perspectives with varying lengths of chapters) helped me read through the book quicker than I anticipated.
D) The book presents themes that, while pertinent to high school students, did not add much to the overall message. The book could be more appropriate for younger students if certain details were left out.
E) One of the main ideas in this book is the nature of stories and what is required for an exciting story. As a media specialist, I would use this book to collaborate with the English teachers to explore the nature of stories and define necessary character, plot points, and themes in other novels, maybe even traditional fairy tales.
F. VERDICT: By blurring the lines of reality and fantasy, with its nods to classic stories, this book will appeal to students who like only realistic fiction or only fantasy and allow them to branch out. Students will be able to learn that there is a little bit of a hero and villain in each person they meet.
This book sounds intriguing! Here is the book trailer for those who want to take a look: https://youtu.be/PpSsy4H1dWI
Delete“Fish in a Tree”
ReplyDeleteLynda Mullaly Hunt
A. This was written for middle school and upper elementary age students.
B. “Fish in a Tree” would be a great book to teach about learning differences and to encourage students to be understanding and accepting of individual learning styles and abilities.
C. The author does a great job of describing the ways a person with dyslexia sees and interacts with written language. Readers are introduced to Ally, a 6th grader who often acts out to hide her inability to read. Eventually she is diagnosed with dyslexia. Because it is written in first person, the reader gets to understand how Ally’s self esteem is affected by her disability. The reader also learns about Ally’s fortitude and many talents. An unorthodox friendship develops throughout the story as Ally grapples with a classroom bully and tries to overcome her own insecurities.
D. While I appreciate the message behind the book, some of the characters are a bit too predictable and cliche.
E. “Fish in a Tree” has a strong anti bullying message.
F. VERDICT: Perfect read for cultivating understanding and acceptance about learning differences for upper elementary and middle school students.
For those of you new to the profession, Fish in a Tree is one of the Maud Hart Lovelace Award nominees in both divisions this year. (Learn more here: http://www.myrahome.org/mhl-nominees-2018-19.html). I too thought it was an excellent portrayal of someone with dyslexia. Other books in this genre I recommend reading: Wonder by R. J. Palacio, Rules by Cynthia Lord, and Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper
DeleteI read this book over the summer and I absolutely loved it. I felt that it gave me great insight into the struggles of people with a learning disability. My 5th grade son also read it and I was happy to give him the same insight so he can understand how much harder traditional learning can be for some of his peers but that everyone has their own strengths.
DeleteI think this book could be used as a powerful tool and can see why it was nominated! I listened to the audio file for this book and thought they did an excellent job. Sometimes the audio recording can be monotonous and hard to follow, but I think students would be able to follow this one without too much difficulty.
DeleteI see this book often in our library and with younger readers. It sounds like a must read! Is the title based on that famous quote? Something about telling a fish it is dumb because it can't climb a tree?
DeleteYes, I think it is!
DeleteMy choice book was Gap Life by John Coy
ReplyDeleteA. This book was written for a high school audience.
B. This book would appeal to a high school audience because it has situations many high schoolers can relate to; not getting along with parents, having different goals for your life than your parents have, not wanting to go to school right after college, and what to do with the rest of your life. There is some profanity and some sexual content which make this a book more fitting for high school age students
C.This book makes the reader want to keep reading so they can find out what happens to the characters. It has funny and realistic moments and it is extremely easy to relate to the characters in the book. The book leaves the reader wishing there was a sequel so one can find out what happens in the next chapter of the character’s lives. It is thought provoking as it explores how the characters handle choices, change, decision making, romantic feelings, independence, and growing up.
D. The book ends with many questions left unanswered leaving the reader to feel that the book should be longer or have a sequel.
E. School social workers and guidance counselors could use this book with students who are having a difficult time with the changes happening in their life or students who are struggling to decide what to do after high school.
F. Verdict: This book is perfect for high schoolers who want a book they can easily relate too. The actions of Cray will resonate with teens trying to find their way. The heartwarming bond between Cray and the residents of the group home where he works will touch the hearts of anyone.
Were you surprised Amy at the range of John Coy's ability to write? I think you and I have both met him in the context of elementary school books. The tension in this book reminded me of The Graduate, although it was less graphic than that movie. I too, would like to read a sequel.
DeleteI was surprised to see how well we could write for different age ranges. I have not seen The Graduate but from what I have heard about it I would definately agree with the tension.
Delete“Merci Suarez Changes Gears” by Meg Medina
ReplyDeleteA) Children about age 10 and up.
B) Great for 5th - 6th grade boys and girls or any child entering middle school years and puberty. Any child experiencing a family member with dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease.
C) Merci is a 6th grade Cuban-American girl from a working class family attending a private school on a scholarship. Meg Medina effortlessly entwined this wonderful story with subtle references to Cuban and Latino culture. The way Medina describes every family celebration is brilliant because she makes them sound beautiful and festive while Merci’s voice is pointing out how she knows it is different than the other kids at school. Medina manages to bring up negative stereotypes of Latinos without making them the focus of the story which is unique in most of the Latinx literature I have read. Another strength is how the dynamic between the children of the grandfather versus how Merci related to him. It was a poignant and real portrayal of role reversals between parents and children when dealing with a debilitating illness like dementia and how Merci herself struggles with guilt as her pride towards her grandfather turns to embarrassment as she worries what her classmates will think. Finally, it is impossible to not appreciate the perfectly captured experience of entering middle school and all the moments of realization that sixth grade is very different from elementary school. The beginnings of puberty and training bras, the blooming of crushes and changing dynamic between boys and girls. Mean girls, making new friends, being left out, standing up against someone, disappointment and the ebb and flow of popularity and social dynamics.
D) The only weakness that stood out to me is that the plot takes a few chapters to develop and fully captures the readers interest.
E) School social workers and teachers could use this book to give to students who are experiencing a family member with dementia or ones who are feeling bullied or are feeling out of place due to their socio-economic status compared to their peers.
F) VERDICT: This must-have book for any middle school/junior high library perfectly captures the tumultuous experience of entering middle school. It reflects some current political issues concerning Latino youth without being too political, and shows family dynamics while dealing with a grandparent who suffers from dementia and the struggle to overcome the assumptions and stereotypes put on a person due to social class and family income.
Erin, this book sounds really good! You might be interested in this interview with Frankie Corzo who recorded the audio book for this novel: https://www.audiofilemagazine.com/blog/frankie-corzo-on-merci-suarez-changes-gears/
DeleteIt is an excellent book. It just won the 2019 Newberry!
DeleteMy choice book for the contemporary realistic fiction category was I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika Sánchez. This book was written for high school students, particularly girls who might be struggling with depression and anxiety or with parents who have immigrated to the United States. It has potential to appeal to high school students outside these groups as well, although it is inappropriate for younger students due to profanity, drug use, violence and some sexual content. Teenagers of all genders, from families of all backgrounds could relate to the main character’s struggles and learn more about others by reading about her experiences.
ReplyDeleteThe book has many strengths, especially its well-developed main character, whose emotions and experiences are richly described and easy to relate to. It is sometimes hilarious and sometimes heartbreaking, but always emotionally resonant. The narrator’s day-to-day experiences and feelings are offset by an intriguing mystery plot that unfolds slowly but satisfyingly as the story goes on. The main character’s behavior is sometimes frustrating, and the descriptions of violence, drug use and sexual content could be turn-offs for others. There are also many story elements at play, which makes things complex, and sometimes the plot feels lost in the minor details of daily life. The book can be used to spark conversations about immigrants learning how to balance multiple cultures, poverty and its effects on mental health, difficulty meeting parents’ expectations, new romantic relationships, planning for college and dealing with death. VERDICT: This comprehensive coming-of-age story is relevant to American high schoolers of all backgrounds in 2019, but will have an especially strong appeal for teenaged girls, children of immigrants and those struggling with depression and loss.
Hi Cassidy, if you have some time, you might enjoy this interview with Erika Sanchez from the Chicago Humanities Festival in 2017: https://youtu.be/XrwdkNmaHAo
DeleteIt looks like this book was also a National Book Award finalist in 2017: https://www.nationalbook.org/books/i-am-not-your-perfect-mexican-daughter/
I've had this on my TBR pile for a long time. I couldn't tell how sad it was going to be from the synopsis so I have held off until I'm in the mindset for a more serious book. Your review makes me want to pick it up off my shelf though!
DeleteExcellent analysis Kathy! I read this book as well and liked the "two but not two" quote. I was interested to learn what war Sarah Pennypacker was referring to, and came across this article: https://www.slj.com/?detailStory=war-through-a-childs-and-a-foxs-eyes-sara-pennypacker-on-her-new-novel-pax
ReplyDelete"Pax" by Sara Pennypacker
ReplyDeletea. This book was written for middle grade students.
b. This book will interest students in grades 4 through 8 as well as older students who are animal lovers or outdoors lovers. Students younger than fourth grade may be disturbed by the topics of war, the interaction between Peter and his father, and Peter running away.
c. Strengths: "Pax" is a moving story of what really matters to people and animals in life. After Peter is forced by his father to set his pet fox free, Peter realizes his mistake and will stop at nothing to find his companion. Peter finds a true friend in Vola, a women who helps him and befriends him after having an accident, while Peter also helps her by finding her a place to share her gifts by teaching children at the local library.
d. Weaknesses: The ending of the story is not what the reader hopes to happen. The story could have been written in a similar way without including the war backstory. Then younger students would be able to read this book about a boy and his beloved pet without the disturbing idea of war in the background.
e. Special Considerations: Drawings are included throughout the book making it a good consideration for a read aloud in an upper elementary classroom.
f. VERDICT: This book should be in every middle school library for animal lovers and outdoorsmen for its story of friendship, loyalty, and believing in oneself. The thought provoking idea of "two but not two", two beings having such a connection that they know thoughts and feelings about one another without direct contact, keeps the reader hoping until the very end that Peter and Pax will find each other and live happily ever after.
Courtney, I agree with you that the ending is NOT what readers are expecting, but maybe there is a lesson in that? The illustrator, Mac Barnett, is one of my favorites and is what drew me to the book in the first place: https://www.macbarnett.com/
Delete“The Sun is Also a Star” by Nicola Yoon
ReplyDeleteA) This book was written for young adults-high school and college aged as opposed to middle school.
B) This book would appeal to high school and college aged students. It would appeal to fans of realistic fiction and also romantics.
C) While this is primarily a romance, it also touches on stereotypes pertaining to nationality and background. It shows different family dynamics and the author shows the reader many different characters’ points of view. The book lends itself to rich discussion on many topics that are applicable to young adults’ lives.
D) Some of the language in the book could be too much for some readers. There are multiple cuss words and sexual discussions. Some of the topics discussed include cheating and suicide. These could be too much for younger students.
E) This book has many accomplishments including #1 New York Times Best Seller, National Book Award for Young People’s Literature finalist, Prinz Honor book, New York Times Notable Children’s Book of the Year 2016, and more! It is also being made into a major motion picture.
F) VERDICT: I would recommend this book to teenagers and older who consider themselves romantics. Readers who want to get lost in a story that will take them on an emotional rollercoaster ride will have a hard time putting this book down.
Take a look at this short video depicting how the cover art was made for that book: https://youtu.be/SJkjaapoNkw
DeleteThe Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin
ReplyDeletea. Intended audience seems to be middle school readers, maybe 4th grade through 8th or 9th grade.
b. Preferred audience would probably include grades 5-8, and I would guess female readers would relate to it more than males.
c. Strengths - would be especially appealing for science minded kids with the strong science references of Suzy's teacher, the scientific naming used, Suzy's documentations, her references and quotes. The book tells the story of a solitary young girl navigating through awkward adolescence and feeling a bit left behind or left out and misunderstood when her childhood best friendship changes into something she can no longer relate to.
d. Weaknesses - I wonder if younger readers might “miss” the awkward struggles between Suzy and her friend Franny and the other girls. This book has a very deep complexity that a social worker would probably love to digest. I wonder if this might be lost on younger readers.
e. Considerations - this book might be a great discussion starter for trying to relate to quieter or easily misunderstood kids, especially if asking them what they think about how Suzy thinks herself. I could see this book being used in a counceling group type setting. I could also see this book being used in a science elective type class as it would appeal to those types of students as well.
f. Verdict: I would recommend this book to those "deep thinking" or "misunderstood" type kids (I already did in fact) who might be able to relate to Suzy's continual quest for being understood and her confusion when her best intentions fail.
I really enjoyed this one! I felt so compassionate for Suzy and the guilt and grief she was trying to process through.
DeleteIt's nice to know there is a book out there to help us understand the misunderstood. This book won a National Book Award. Here is an interview with author Ali Benjamin: https://www.nationalbook.org/ali-benjamin-interviewed-by-tim-manley/
ReplyDeleteMy Choice book for Contemporary Realistic Fiction was The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas
ReplyDeleteA-I believe that the intended audience for the book is high school and older
B-I believe that because of the popularity of the movie made from the book and controversy surrounding the themes, the book appeals to a wider audience that was intended by the author.
C-The main strength of the book is in the story’s ability to see a very controversial societal issue from the point of view that is rarely heard, that of an African American teen girl.
For character driven readers, there were many characters in the book from all types of backgrounds and points of view that made it easy to find someone that you could identify with as the story progressed.
For story or plot motivated readers, the rising action and climax were satisfying and it was a fast paced read. There were twists in the story and sub plots that were interesting and added to the story and characters.
For language driven readers, at times the language was harsh and strongly worded. If someone would be sensitive to that, it may put someone off of the story. The dialogue of the book was written in the dialect of speaking in the different cultures that the characters were in at the time of speaking. A reader may struggle with the different dialects if there were unfamiliar with the cultures portrayed.
D-A weakness of the book is that because of the controversy and popularity in the movie, many younger readers may be attracted to the book without realizing the more mature themes in the book. The intended audience is high school or older.
E- A special consideration is that the main event of the book is that an African American community suffers a tragedy that involves the police. The book follows the story of the community in the aftermath of the event. Some families of readers may feel that this book is political in nature and as a library media specialist, you may want to be aware and prepared for this type of dialogue with families or students.
F-VERDICT-The Hate You Give is an important book to present to high school students as an option to see other sides of complicated societal issues in the story format. It could help begin discussions and build a level of empathy for other points of view. If you provide this book to high school readers, expect to discuss the story when they are done.
I also read Pax! I liked reading your analysis and thoughts on the story. The phrase "two but not two" stuck out to me as well; the book had some Buddhist undertones in the pacifist message and the idea of Oneness between things, particularly Peter and Pax. I thought this was an interesting, thought-provoking touch that gave the story and its themes a little more depth.
ReplyDelete