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!!
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
ReplyDeletea. I am unsure of the intended audience. The choice of words title could lead to the conclusion that it is intended to appeal to only African American middle grade and teenage girls.
b. I think the book would appeal to any teenage girl who is interested in history, with the strongest appeal or relatability to African American middle grade and teenage girls.
c. Strengths –Reflection on racism, the Civil Rights movement and social dynamic in the northern US and southern US (South Carolina) during the 60s. Not only does Jackie face prejudice due to her color, being a Jehovah’s Witness makes her stand out as different from her classmates. The religious diversity portrayed is also a strength because not many books are written with characters from that religion. The strength is also in the internal dialogue about realizing you are different and just wanting to fit in because it is still relatable today. The strength of writing in verse instead of a novel, is the lyrical quality and rhythm and white space on the page make it more easily readable and can make the verses more memorable.
d. Weakness – I think the title might limit the appeal to students. The ending is a little abrupt and lacks some closure. While the style of prose can be a strength, it is also a weakness for kids and people who prefer a more fleshed out novel and story line with their books.
e. Religion is a major theme throughout as well as the Civil Rights movement and racism so it would be beneficial for students to have a background knowledge of America in the 60s. There is no profanity, sex or detailed description of racial violence which makes it a good book to teach middle grade audiences about the Civil Rights movement. Newbery Honor, 2015; National Book Award Winner, 2014; Sibert Honor Book, 2015
f. Verdict – As a Newbery Honor book, this should be on middle and high school library shelves as an important study in writing in verse and also, reflection on race and the Civil Rights movement of the 60s.
I agree that the strongest appeal is likely to teenagers who are African American, but it is so well well written, that I would not hesitate to introduce it to a wider audience. Jacqueline Woodson has also written children's books which perhaps could serve as a bridge to this read.
DeleteErin, I agree, the author wrote about a sensitive and violent topic in a way that was accessible to younger readers. Even though the author did not write about the violence I think the divisiveness and importance of the movement is still conveyed.
DeleteAfter hearing you all talk about this book during the book discussion, I KNOW I need to read this this summer! Sounds like some historical fiction as well which I love.
DeleteI didn't think I would enjoy the poetry books but "Brown Girl Dreaming" is the first one I read and I couldn't put it down. It was so beautifully written and I enjoyed that it was a bunch of short poems put together to make one cohesive story. Amazing!
Delete
ReplyDeleteSalt by Helen Frost
a. Intended audience is middle school readers, or older readers seaking poetic verse or a specific historical genre.
b. Audience would probably appeal to more is younger readers, age 8+, boys especially with two young male lead characters.
c. Strengths - written in poetic verse which might be appealing to struggling readers wanting to feel "progress" quicker through a book. Author wrote the Miami Native American boy in triangular/diamond shape to represent their cloth patterns. The American boy is written in lines to represent the lines of the American flag. Story is told from both points of view, two boys of similar age and vaguely friends but very different points of view with limited shared language during events leading to the war of 1812. At the end of the book, the author includes a lot of literature circle/book club type history, further information, and discussion questions. This would be a strong curricular benefit!
d. Weaknesses - maybe a strength for younger readers, but the story left me wanting more detail, especially after the Miami families left West and came back home. The outcome is implied, but I’d love to know more.
e. Considerations - would be a great choice for a class learning about American or Native American history.
f. Written by Prinz award winning author, Helen Frost, Salt helps readers experience what it might have been like to grow up in the early 1800s, leading into war times for both Native Americans and American settlers.
I love when authors can shape their poems! The preview on Amazon looks neat! It's good to find books that appeal to boys and that portray Native Americans in an historically accurate way. This book is now on my radar!
DeleteMy LA teacher who I borrowed this from said it is a difficult book for her readers and they are 7th grade. She said they struggle with understanding the historical language and references. I was a bit surprised by this but she said they just ahve a hard time relating and understanding the conversations.
Delete“Enchanted Air” by Margarita Engle
ReplyDeleteA. “Enchanted Air” was written for readers ages 10 and up.
B. I would recommend this book for students in grades 5 and up that are interested in the Cold War, specifically US relations with Cuba and the Cuban Missile Crisis.
C. This story follows the author, Margarita Engle, as she tells her personal memoir through breathtaking poetry. In 1947, Margarita’s Cuban mother and her American father meet and fall in love when he visits Cuba and decide to get married. The author describes visits to Cuba to see extended family before relations with the US became strained during the Cold War. Her two worlds clash at times as she compares her father’s world and family in America to that of her mother’s in Cuba. When tensions between the US and Cuba escalate, Margarita’s mother is forced to distance herself from her native land and family. FBI investigators accuse her family of spying for Cuba and her father worries he will lose his job as a teacher at a university. Caught in the middle of the crisis, Margarita tells of her personal struggles to maintain her identity.
D. I am having a hard time identifying any weaknesses. The length and efficiency of the author’s words make this book an quick and easy read. Many students will be able to relate to the author and empathize with her family. I would even recommend this to high school students as the story follows Margarita as she begins high school and goes through a rebellious stage when trying to find herself.
E. This book would be a great resource to help students better understand the history of relations between the US and Cuba. It would also be perfect to use when teaching about the Cold War and Cuban Missile Crisis. Engle’s words will help young learners to understand and empathize with the people affected by the crisis.
F. Verdict: An inspiring resource for students 5th grade and up to cultivate understanding of relations between the US and Cuba during the Cold War and Cuban Missile Crisis.
I think one strength of poetry books is their short length. Even if students don't tend to like to read, they could finish a book like this quickly and gain some insight into this historical period.
DeleteApryl, I agree with you, there are so many books written from Japanese perspective during World War II talking about the prejudice people feel, but very few who talk about the long-standing issues the US had with Cuba. I am also reading Game Seven, also from a Cuban boy's perspective and enjoying it as well.
DeleteI thought this was one of the most well written books I have ever read. I got done and I thought, "How did she do that?!" So much detail and story in so few words.
ReplyDeleteMy Choice Book was “Brown Girl Dreaming”
ReplyDeleteA) As a media specialist, I believe the author wrote this book for young African Americans, middle school and high school students, to inspire them to pursue their dreams and persevere.
B) As a media specialist, I think this book would appeal to any students, middle school and high school, not just African American, who enjoy historical fiction, poetry, or memoirs. I would recommend this book to students who have an interest in history or poetry. I would also recommend this book to any student aspiring to be a writer or poet.
C) The book is historical, lyrical, and inspiring. It provides students with intimate details of day-to-day life in the 1960’s from the perspective of someone their own age. This book allows students to read poetry in a way that is accessible and understandable to them. As it presents themes of resiliency, this book would also inspire any students who identify with the main character with hope.
D) Similar to my post about “The Other Side of the Wall”, because the book is written from the perspective of a child, some of the greater details of the situations are lost. While this book is set in an important historical time period, most of the significance is lost because the author is not exposed to all the event details or understands all the repercussions of their community’s actions. Near the end of the book, as the author grows older, more information is provided about the outside world, but a majority of the book focuses on problems of a young girl, not the community as a whole.
E) This book provides a window into historical events in a literarily-intriguing format. As a media specialist, I would use this book to collaborate with social studies teachers to explore the Civil Rights Movement. I could also use this book to collaborate with English teachers where students could create their own poems to express their day-to-day activities and struggles.
F) VERDICT: This book lyrically uses the questions and passions of a young African American girl to understand the controversial and changing world around her in the 1960’s. A must-buy for any middle or high school libraries that have students seeking poetry, history, or hope.
I agree that BGD is a must-buy and is inspirational for those who dream of a writing career!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete"The Princess Saves Herself in This One" by Amanda Lovelace
ReplyDeleteA) I believe this book was written for millennial women.
B) This book would appeal to women from ninth grade through new adult. Millennials and Generation Z.
C) This book is a very fast read. I was able to read it in about an hour. The poems show raw emotion from a female lead. It starts out dark but shows a strong female perspective in the end.
D) A weakness of this book is the strong anger and very dark beginning. It was difficult to read until it started to lighten up some. Also, some people are saying it is not "quality poetry."
E) This book is the 2016 Good Reads Choice Award winner for poetry. It is also a USA Today Best Seller and Publisher's Weekly Best Seller. It is the first in a series of books. "The Princess Saves Herself in This One" discusses difficult topics such as rape, abuse, suicide, cheating and eating disorders.
F) VERDICT: This book is very emotional and tells the story of a "damsel in distress" who finds herself and matures into a "queen." It is a women's empowerment book that young adult women will enjoy. I would not recommend this book for middle school or younger due to some mature topics, but I would highly recommend it for a high school library.
One reviewer felt this book read like "a long lamentation." Do you agree? Do you think this book would be good for March, Women's History Month?
DeleteI would agree that the beginning is a lamentation for sure. It starts out very dark and sad, but it does progress and become much lighter throughout the book. I think it's a good book to have in a collection and available, but I wouldn't make it required reading for students. It might be too dark and depressing for some students and I strongly feel the intended audience is millennial women. Most readers outside of this demographic would not enjoy it.
DeleteMy choice book was “Enchanted Air” by Margarita Engle
ReplyDeletea. This book was written for a sixth through tenth grade age group.
b. This book would most appeal to a fifth grade through tenth grade age group because students in that age group will relate to the growing up and changes Margarita goes through. They will also be able to relate to feeling like an outsider and not knowing where they fit in.
c. This book does a wonderful job of telling a story through poems. It follows the author, Margarita, through childhood visits to Cuba and how much she loved them. She struggles trying to figure out who she is in America versus who she is when she is in Cuba. She has a difficult time when tensions rise between America and Cuba and she is no longer able to visit. The reader really gets to know Margarita and her struggle to find her true self. Anyone who has ever felt like an outsider will certainly relate to this book. Engle does an amazing job of talking about difficult subjects such as the Cuban Missile Crisis, The Bay of Pigs, and The Cold War honestly but without being overly graphic. There is a rich descriptive story that the reader wants to keep reading to find out what happens. It is a quick and emotion packed read.
d. This book was so enjoyable that I have a hard time finding weaknesses. The only thing I can think of is that it may not appeal to young adult males as it would be hard for them to relate to some of the more feminine aspects of the book,
e. This book could be used when discussing the Cold War. It would also be great to use with EL students who may have come to America from a country in turmoil. This would also work well in an English class when discussing poetry.
f. This book belongs in every middle school and high school library,. Its themes of trying to figure out ones place and what to do when you do not fit in are timeless. With the amount of immigration we have it is a must read to help foster understanding. It is so quickly devoured by the reader that everyone has time to read it!
I too feel like poetry is so good that it is challenging to put down! I noted your observation that boys may not like this book. I think, at times, it is hard to find books that appeal to bother genders.
DeleteMy choice book for the Poetry category was How I Discovered Poetry by Marilyn Nelson. This is a personal story of one girl’s childhood in the 1950s. It is very structured, with exactly fifty poems, all sonnets with fourteen lines and ten syllables in each line. The book follows the Speaker from age four to fourteen, and the complexity of the writing increases with the writer’s age. For this reason, it could be a great read for a wide range of ages, from as young as fifth or sixth grade up to high schoolers. It was likely written with young African-American girls in mind, but could appeal to many other children and give them a glimpse of the past and a specific childhood experience. The book also portrays the experience of a military family, and would appeal to children who have moved often and feel like they don’t have a steady concept of “home.”
ReplyDeleteOne strength of the book is its consistency. The clear structure makes the main character’s growth easy to observe since her vocabulary and thoughts evolve within a strict form. This progression is masterfully portrayed and the individual poems are beautifully written. It is a quick read overall and the sonnets are concise, making it un-intimidating for reluctant readers. On the other hand, the strictness of the structure limits the story in some ways, since there is little room for context or background and we only get small glimpses into specific moments of the Speaker’s life. It can be difficult to understand the full picture of where the Speaker is and what’s happening in her life during any given poem, but I believe this peek-by-peek approach is intentional. There could be tie-ins with school history lessons, particularly about civil rights and desegregation history as the Speaker experiences being the only black person or part of the only black family in all-white spaces. There is also discussion of the Cold War and the cultural fear of nuclear attacks that could give students a perspective on this time that they might relate to. The book includes illustrations and lovely typography which add to the reading experience. VERDICT: Marilyn Nelson’s How I Discovered Poetry is a lyrical and evocative journey through one child’s developing relationship with language over time. With its potential for curriculum tie-ins with history, poetry and social studies, it is an excellent choice for any middle grade library.
It was interesting for me to read how structured this book is, exactly 50 poems. In art, and nature, I am always intrigued by wild creativity that seems to exist within boundaries.
Deletea. Audience for whom the book is written: 5th-12th grades
ReplyDeleteb. Audience to whom it will appeal: 5th-12th grades
c. Strengths: Multicultural, viewpoints of the immigrant (Cuba), the refugee (Ukraine), and the natural born citizen (United States) with loved ones in other countries, beautiful poetry told in an easy to read way that may draw readers who have not found their love of books yet
d. Weaknesses: The reader will want to know what happens after the book ends, discrimination
e. Special Considerations: Pura Belpre Award winner 2016, YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction 2016, Cold War Time Line, Author’s note explaining why the author wrote an autobiography of her first fourteen years focusing on travel memories. “Travel opens the heart and challenges the mind” (p. 191). Farewell to Manzanar (Japanese internment camps in the United States were brought up in the book) could be taught with this book.
f. VERDICT: This autobiography should be in all high school libraries for a supplement to social studies lessons dealing with Cuba, Cuban Missile Crisis, and the Cold War, and for students from other cultures.
This is Courtney Walsh's blog entry for Enchanted Air: Two Cultures, Two Wings: A Memoir by Margarita Engle
DeleteThis one won quite a few awards!
DeleteThe book I read for my choice book is, Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds.
ReplyDeletea. The intended audience for the book, Long Way Down is grade 8 plus. The target reader would be an older middle schooler through high schooler that would be introduced to the poetry or “verse” genre.
b. The audience that this book would appeal to would be of the intended age/demographic for the book and/or readers interested in a story that extends to modern day race relations, inner city culture and gang culture
c. Particular strengths of this book are it’s nonintimidating length and quick pacing of the story. This is a fast read that would appeal to most readers. It has an element of fantasy and mystery to keep the interest high and ends with a twist, or a question of what happens next. The character in the story, however different from the reader, is relatable in grief and desire for vengeance. These motivations are not unique even if the circumstances behind the situation is potentially unique.
d. One weakness of the book could be if a reader (teenaged males) felt that they were opposed to the genre it would be a hurdle to overcome. One other weakness is the ambiguous ending of the book. It may feel too vague if a reader didn’t have someone to talk to about it.
e. Special considerations are that this book may need some book talking to get a teenaged boy to read the genre that could be perceived as poetry. If it could be sold as a “book in verse” that may help the sell. Also, plan to chat with readers as they finish about what they think happened next at the end of the story.
f. Verdict: An important book for readers to be able to read outside their comfort zone with success. A message that provokes great conversations with teens about perceptions, grief, knee-jerk reactions and a gang culture. Have a copy in your Media Center and suggest to mature middle schoolers and high schoolers that enjoy pushing themselves to see the world outside of themselves.
I read this one and loved it! I agree, there are some twists, surprises, and mystery to it that is unexpected. I wish that the content wasn't so mature, or I would put it in my own media center. Jason Reynolds is a fantastic writer!
Delete