This is the order that I read the books. I enjoyed being immersed in books for the past few months and plan to continue the pace if I am able to from now on. Who needs TV when you have books.
Green, J. (2005). Looking for Alaska: A novel. New York: Dutton
Children's Books.
Looking for is a Young Adult novel about Miles Halter and the
events that take place when he moves from Florida to Alabama in order to attend
Culver Creek Preparatory High School his junior year. During his junior year he
becomes close friends with a group that includes his roommate and the beautiful
yet flawed, Alaska. Miles quickly falls for Alaska and has many new
experiences with his new friends, which include drinking, smoking and pulling
pranks on other students. For all her charm and intelligence, Alaska is forever
haunted by the events of the day her mother died which later lead to her death.
After Alaska’s death, Miles and the Colonel are left with the question of if the
car crash that ended her life was an accident or suicide. The investigation in
to her death brings no concrete answers. As a way to move on and honor their
friend, Miles and his friends pull a prank on the administration in front of
the whole student body. In the end Miles forgives Alaska for dying and knows
that she forgives him for his part in it.
Cormier, R. (1974). The Chocolate War. New York: Pantheon Books.
The annual chocolate sale is the major fundraiser for Trinity
Preparatory School and everyone is expected to participate. As part of an
“assignment” by the Vigils, a secret club at the school, Jerry refuses to sell
the chocolates. After his “assignment” is over Jerry continues to refuse to
sell, this causes many students to question why they have to sell as well.
Brother Leon, the member of the faculty in charge of the sell calls upon the Vigils
to help restore order. After being tormented by the Vigils, Jerry agrees to
participate in a public fight to have the matter of refusal put to rest.
The Chocolate War is another piece of realistic fiction. The theme of not conforming and not giving into peer pressure even if you don't win would make it a great novel to talk about in classes middle school and high school classes (13-18). Student would be able to draw parallels with their own lives.
Saenz, B. (2014). Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of
the Universe. Sal.: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.
Aristotle has never felt like he fit in and has never had many
friends. He meets Dante at the public pool during the summer. After seeing that
Aristotle cannot swim, Dante overs to teach him. This initiate’s a friendship
that leads the boys on a path of self-discovery. Aristotle is finally able to ask his parents
about his brother who is in jail and talk to his very reserved father about his
time in the Vietnam War. By the end of the book the boys both realize and
embrace their sexuality and feelings for each other.
This is yet another piece of realistic fiction that especially now with growing support and acceptance for the LGTQ community teens can relate to. Aristotle's struggle to comes to terms with his sexuality and his parents unconditional support is a great lesson for teens and parents. Due to the topics discussed the book is most developmentally appropriate for 8th grade and up. (13 and up)
Stiefvater, M. (2009). Shiver. New York: Scholastic.
Grace has had an obsessive fascination with the wolves that roam
the woods around her house, ever since she was nearly killed by them at age 11.
The yellow-eyed wolf that saved has become a constant presence that she cannot
live without. Sam lives two lives; a member of a wolf pack during the long
winter months and human during the summer. Events unfold that bring Grace and
Sam together just as Sam faces his fate of becoming a wolf permanently. Using
the events that kept Grace from transforming into a wolf after being bitten,
Grace and her friend Isabel discover a potential yet dangerous cure. At the end
of the book Grace and Sam are reunited after thinking he had been destined to
remain a wolf.
This book is great for middle school and high school students. After reading this book you will want to read the rest of the series…Linger and Forever. The books setting and language immerse the reader and make the problem of the story more real and impending. The intense connection that Grace and Sam have can best be understood by a more mature audience. I would say that the audience is 7th grade and up. (13 and up)
Junior lives on a Spokane Indian Reservation with his family and best friend Rowdy. Junior was born with excess cerebrospinal fluid, which has left him with poor eyesight, an occasional lisp, and a slightly bigger head. Life on the reservation is hard all around for him. He is constantly being beaten up and verbally abused for his appearance and speech. In a moment of anger he throws a book, which hits a teacher and gets him expelled. His teacher encourages him to transfer to the “white” school off the reservation so he may escape the crushing poverty and substance abuse of the reservation. Junior’s life becomes split as he enrolls in high school off the reservation. His best friend, Rowdy lashes out and pushes Junior away. He is able to see the stark contrast between the poverty of reservation and the wealth and privilege of his new classmates. After suffering many losses Junior is determined to finish high school and carve out a life for himself. He reconciles with Rowdy and they promise to stay in touch no matter where they end up.
Although many readers of the book may not be familiar with life on a reservation, the author uses language that is relatable to younger readers and connects with them. The themes of leaving home to make a better live for yourself and overcoming destructive patterns is something that teens who are discovering their own identities an paths can relate to. I would recommend this book for middle school and high school students. (12-18)
Anderson, L.
H. (1999). Speak. New York: Penguin.
The summer
before Melinda’s freshman year, she attends a party where she meets Andy Evans.
At the party Andy rapes Melinda. She calls 911 but doesn’t say that she has
been raped. The police arrive and break up the party. Melinda starts her
freshman year friendless and ridiculed for calling the cops. She spirals into a
deep depression and isolates herself. Melinda’s only comfort is her art. She
becomes friends with her lab partner David, who encourages her to speak up for
herself. Andy attacks her in the janitor’s closet she has transformed into her
sanctuary. This time Melinda fights back and does not stay silent. She begins
to regain her voice and tells her art teach, Mr. Freeman her story. The healing
process begins for Melinda.
This piece of realistic fiction really spoke to me. The theme of finding your voice and speaking up when you have been wrong resonated with me. Due to the nature of the book I don't think it would be best to have as required reading for a class and I think it is best suited for high school students who would be able to grasp the seriousness of Melinda's experiences. (14 and up)
Canales, V. (2005). The Tequila Worm. New York: Wendy Lamb Books/Random House
Sofia comes from a Hispanic family in McAllen, Texas. Her family is rooted in traditions that include el Dia de los Muertos, making cascarones for Easter, preparing for quinceaeras, and learning to become a good compadre. Through hard work Sofia qualifies for a scholarship to a prestigious boarding school in Austin. She and her family are nervous about her leaving and fear she will lose her connection to her family and their traditions. Sofia longing to discover what the world has to offer wins out and she attends. Her strong ties to her family help her to have the confidence to excel and deal with the death of her father, who passes away from cancer. Later on she becomes a successful lawyer and gives back to the community she still feels a string connection to.
This book is a great way to introduce the importance of a person's culture and traditions and how a person is shaped by them. It would be a great way to start a discussion class and get students to reflect on what has shaped them in their lives the far. This is piece of realistic fiction that pulls from the authors own life experiences. She use imagery and simple language to tell the story. (12 and up)
Angel, A.
(2010). Janis Joplin: Rise up singing. NY: Amulet.
This is a
well research biography of the late Janis Joplin. The book uses photographs and
quotes from family and friends to help tell the live story of the music icon.
Angel takes the reader through Janis’ life from growing up in Port Arthur,
Texas to her short career as a singer. Angel allows readers to see how Janis’
intense insecurity led her to drugs and her overdose at age 27. Even through
Janis had a short career; her music still inspires many artists and fans today.
This biography is best suited for a more mature age group due to the Janis' use of drugs that eventually leads to her death. The language used in the text is descriptive and more complex and calls for a more advanced reader.
Garden, N.
(1982). Annie on my mind. New York: FSG.
Liza and
Annie are from two different backgrounds. Liza lives in an upscale apartment in
Brooklyn Heights and is the student body president at Foster Academy. Annie is
the daughter of Italian immigrants, attends public school, and lives in a
shabby apartment. The two met at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and become fast
friends. Throughout the story the girls fall in love with each other. Their
relationship is discovered and puts Liza’s enrollment at Foster Academy at
risk. Liza calls off their relationship as a result. After the girls go their
separate ways and Liza comes to grips with her sexual orientation in college
she gets in contact with Annie and the girls reconcile.
The theme of coming to terms with one's sexual orientation is present in this book. The setting and characters of the book make it relatable and developmentally accessible to middle school and high school students. (13 and up)
Harris, R.
(2009). It's Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, and Sexual
Health. Boston, MA: Candlewick Press.
It's
Perfectly Normal addresses topics such as puberty, sex, STDs, birth control,
sexual abuse, LGBT, and online safety. The book includes illustrations to help
children and teens understand the topics being discussed and a bird and bee
characters. The book goes in depth into the subject but puts the subject matter
in terms that are appropriate for a younger audience.
This book is nonfiction book which provides important information that every young adult should know and every parent should talk about in order to be safe. I know that not every campus is equipped or comfortable with discussing the subjects covered in the book but they are developmentally appropriate topics that every young adult should understand. (12 and up)
Myers, W. D.
(1999). Monster. New York: Harper.
Steve is on
trial for murder. He chronicles the events of his trial as if he is writing and
directing a movie. He is accused of being involved in a robbery that resulted
in the death of the owner of a drugstore. The trial includes the testimony of
several witnesses, including an older woman who claims that she did not see
Steve at the crime scene and Steve’s film teacher. Steve is found innocent of
the crime.
This impactful piece of realistic fiction will get readers hooked with the language used and the way the story is told by the main character, as if he is writing/ directing a movie. This book would be a great way to hook students and allow them to experience great writing. (ages 13-17)
Ryan Dean is a 14-year-old junior in high school out to prove that he is not such as “little boy”, especially to his best friend Annie, whom he is deeply in love with. After stealing a cell phone the previous year he is placed in a dorm for the troublemakers. He is forced to room with the biggest bully of them all, his rugby teammate. Throughout the book Ryan Dean experiences fights, ridiculous situations, complicated relationships and tragedy. He expresses his feelings and thoughts though funny and witty drawings and internal monologues. Ryan Dean starts to mature as he begins a romantic relationship with Annie and his friend Joey is beaten to death.
Although I certainly enjoyed the book I feel that the amount of cussing and talk of sex makes the book inappropriate for the classroom. On that note I think that every teenage boy would relate to the book for exactly those reasons. The books settings, language and characters makes this piece of realistic fiction accessible and developmentally appropriate for middle school and high school students. (12 and up)
Ness, P.
(2008). The Knife of Never Letting Go. Boston: Candlewick Press.
Todd is a
boy who lives in the small settlement of Prentisstown. He has been lead to
believe that the women of the town died from a “germ” that killed some of the
men and left the others with the ability to hear others thoughts, which they
refer to as “Noise”. Todd’s adoptive parents help to escape the town and pursue
a spot of silence in the “Noise”, which turns out to be a girl. Todd and the
girl, Viola are pursued throughout the book by members of the town on their way
to a city appropriately named Haven. Along the way Todd discovers the truth
about Prentisstown and its inhabitants. He also discovers a terrible truth
about himself. The book ends with Haven being taken over by the inhabitants
Prentisstown and Todd surrendering himself in order to get help for the wounded
Viola.
The setting of the novel is a future where the fate of humanity is uncertain and Aliens share the same planet. The strong characters face many obstacles and it is through those obstacle that we see the theme of overcoming what society wants you to be and choosing your own path. This dystopia novel is appropriate for for high school students because the complexity of it requires a more mature audience. (14 and up)
Sartrapi, M.
(2004). Persepolis. New York: Pantheon.
Marjane
Sartrapi uses a black and while comic book style to tell the story of her
childhood in Iran from age six to fourteen. She recounts the events of the
Islamic revolution, her feelings about the new regime, the laws that are put
into place, including the wearing of veils, and the death of friends and loved
ones. After her neighbors a missile Marji become so rebellious that her parents
decide to send her way to school in Austria.
The themes of loyalty to country, self and believes are evident through out the book as well as the equal rights of women. The questions raised by the book would be great for young adults to explore. The format of the book places it securely in the graphic novel genre. (12 and up)
Zusak, M.
(2006). The Book Thief. New York: Random House Children's Books.
The book
centers on Liesel, a young girl in 1930’s Germany, who has been placed in a
foster home after her mother was forced to give her up. During her time with
her foster parents she learns to read and befriends Rudy, a boy from her school
and Max, a Jew that her foster parents are hiding in their basement. Liesel has
a fascination with books and steals them on occasion. At the end of the book the
Gestapo has caught Liesel’s friend Max, and a bomb that fell on her street has
killed her family and friends. It is revealed that Liesel later moves to
Australia and now has grandchildren.
This piece of historical fiction would be a great addition to a unit on World War II and other titles that could go with it are Night and The Diary of Anne Frank. The setting of the story and the characters allow students to see what the World World II was like for people living in Germany and not just the Jewish citizens. The theme of death watching and taking an interest in the living is best suited for a more mature reader that can discuss and appreciate the topic. (13 and up)
Bray, L.
(2009). Going Bovine. New York: Delacorte Press.
Cameron is a
slacker who is satisfied with a life that is going seemingly nowhere. After
being treated for having a drug-induced hallucination in class it is discovered
that Cameron has contracted mad-cow disease. While in the hospital he goes on
an adventure to find a time traveling doctor whom he was promised by a fairy
would cure him. At the end of the novel it is revealed that Cameron is in his
hospital bed with his life support machines being disconnected. He then is
taken under the wings of his fairy friend.
Leviathan is a Science Fiction retelling of World War I. The book centers on Deryn a 16-year-old girl who is pretending to be a boy in order to join the British Air force, and Alek, the prince of the Austria-Hungarian empire who is on the run after his parents are killed. The two sides of the brewing war are the “Clankers” who fight using massive machines and the “Darwinist”, who have perfected fabricating animals to serve their needs. Alek and Deryn met when Alek goes to aid the crew of a ship that has crashed. After a series of events Alek and Deryn set off on the newly repaired ship, the Leviathan, to the Ottoman Empire in hopes of find securing an ally for Britain and a means of escape for Alek.
Engle, M.
(2008). The Surrender Tree. New York: Holt.
The
Surrender Tree is a book of poetry about slavery and the fight for Cuba’s
independence from Spain and later the U.S. The poems are told by Rosa, a healer
who has been trained to use the plants as medicine, her husband Jose, at slave
hunter name Lieutenant Death who pursues Rosa, a Spanish General, and a young
girl named Silvia who has lost all her family to illness and harsh conditions
at a re-concentration camp.The poetry of the book does not rhyme and is very accessible. The language of the story is simple and incorporates words from the native people of Cuba. The content of the poetry is best suited for middle school and high school students. I can see this book being incorporated into a classroom lesson.
Wein,
Elizabeth. (2012).Code Name Verity. New York: Egmont.
Code Name
Verity is told in two parts. Julie, a British spy, who has been captured by the
Gestapo in France after her plane crashes, tells the first part of the book.
She is forced to write a confession or face a painful death. Through her
confession she tells how she and Maddie, the pilot of the plane that crashed
met. Maddie tells the second part of the story. In it she tells of the events
that occurred after the plane crash.
This historical fiction novel uses simple yet impactful language that allows the reader to imagine the events that lead the characters to their current situations what it was like to endure the treatment Julie received. The strong female leads are relatable and distinct. They have depth and complexity that is perfect for a more mature audience. (14 and up)
Crutcher, C. (1993). Staying fat for Sarah Byrnes. New York:
Greenwillow Books.
Eric and Sarah have been for years, bonding over feeling like
outsiders. Eric was over weight and Sarah had burns that covered her face and
hands. Eric became part of the swim team and began to slim down, but the fear
of losing Sarah made him eat as much as he can to stay fat for her. Sarah is now
in a catatonic state in a mental hospital. After some investigation, Eric finds
out that Sarah’s condition is a ruse to keep he abusive father away. Eric in
list the help of his teacher Ms. Lemry and later his parents to help keep Sarah
safe from her father.
The lesson of keeping healthy relationships that foster a good self image is what I took away from the book as well as reporting abuse and not trying to take of it on your own. The characters, setting and unfortunately their experiences are relatable to most young adults and make the book a piece of realistic fiction. The language of the book allows it to be accessible to young adults. I would recommend the book for high school students. (14 and up)
Anderson, M. (2006). The astonishing life of Octavian Nothing,
traitor to the nation: V. 1 The pox party. Cambridge, Mass.: Candlewick Press.
Octavian is being raised by a group of philosophers and
scholars. Although he is given a privilege life, he is actually being study to
see if Africans have the same intelligent capabilities of Europeans. At a “Pox
Party” Octavian’s mother is infected with small pox and dies. Octavian flees
and ends up in the Colonial Army. After some time he is recaptured by his
owners and chained up. The funds for the experiment on Octavian are coming from
plantation owners who wish for Octavian to fail.
The themes of over coming the expectations other have for you, racial prejudice in feeling that one race is better than another is present and complex. The language of the book can be difficult to navigate and requires a commitment by the reader. The book is a historical fiction novel set in colonial Boston this alone requires a higher maturity level on the part of the reader so they can picture the setting as well as the layers that are given to the plot by the author. I would recommend this books to high school students. (14 and up)
Nathan Hale uses this graphic novel to capture the events and poor decisions that lead to the outcome of the Donner Party expedition. Hale uses the Reed family to tell the true story of the doomed journey.
This graphic novel illustrates history and makes it more accessible to students. This would be a great way to incorporate books into social studies lesson and to introduce the genre of the graphic novel to students reluctant to embrace the genre. This book is best suited for upper elementary and middle school. (9 and up)
Hinds, Gareth. Romeo and Juliet: a play by William Shakespeare. 2013, Illus., Candlewick
Gareth Hinds brings new life to William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The timeless play is masterfully illustrated and the characters have been given diverse ethnic backgrounds, bringing a fresh take that makes the play more relatable to wider audience.
This is a classic drama/ play that has been given new life in a graphic novel. The complexity of prose that is used in the play makes it best suited for middle school and high school students. (13 and up)
Green, J. (2012). The Fault in Our Stars. New York: Penguin.
Hazel Grace Lancaster has terminal thyroid cancer that has spread to her lungs. She attends a support group to satisfy her mother. There she meets Augustus Waters and the two quickly bond. After reading each other’s favorite novels Augustus become interested in contacting the author of An Imperial Affliction. The two are able to travel to Austria to meet the author. Unfortunately he turns out to be a mean-spirited drunk that only insults the couple. During the trip Augustus and Hazel confess their love for each other and Augustus admits that his cancer has relapsed. By the end of the book Augustus dies but both characters have revealed that to each other that although their love was brief they would not trade it for anything.
The theme of the book; love is worth the risk even if it is only for a short time is best understood by older readers, as well as the theme of facing ones own mortality. The beautiful, emotional language of the book connects readers in such a way that invokes an emotional response. ( You will cry with this book) The book and the experiences of its characters are best understood by high school students. (14 and up)
Asher, J. (2007). Thirteen Reasons Why. New York: Penguin Group.
Clay finds a package of cassette tapes on his front porch two weeks after the girl he had a crush on, Hannah, commits suicide. Clay listens to the tapes that relieve all of pain and embarrassment that Hannah has suffered. By the end of the book we learn the people and events that drove Hannah to take her own life. Learning from this tragedy, Clay reaches out to another classmate who is showing signs of wanting to commit suicide.
The subject of suicide and what motivates a person to take their own life is complex and demands a level of maturity that only be had by older readers. This is a work of realistic fiction that has a message that must be discussed in schools, bullying that leads to the victim to suicide and what can be done to prevent it. I believe that this book is most appropriate for upper middle school and high school students. (13 and up)
Westerfeld, S. (2011). Uglies. New York: Simon Pulse.
Tally lives in a future society that promotes its values and keeps peace by having people go through “The Surge” at age 16. “The Surge” is a procedure that transforms people from “Uglies” into “Pretties”, by completely overhauling their bodies and making them physically attractive. Tally meets Shay, another “Ugly” who is not convinced that she should go through the procedure. Shay ultimately runs away to avoid the procedure. The authorities postpone Tally’s procedure until see gives up her friend’s location. Tally later succumbs to the pressure and is transformed.
The imagery and complexity of the new world that created in this book requires a more mature audience. The destruction of most of the world and the patched up society that enforces certain values and standards so absolutely places this book in the dystopia/ sci-fi genre. (12 and up)
King, A. (2010). Please ignore Vera Dietz. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.
Vera faces her senior year with her ex-best friend dead. She knows him better than anyone and must choose whether or not she will clear his name of the crime he is accused of. Vera is trying to avoid becoming her parents but all the expectations of her father and her home life lead her down a path that may lead to the same mistakes her parents made. He father discovers her drinking problem and they both attend therapy to open up to each other and heal.
The theme of not repeating the mistakes of ones parents is an important theme of the book and one that many young adults can relate to as they create their own path in life. The mature content of the book including the physical abuse and substance abuse make this book appropriate for older readers. Vera and Charlie's friendship would make a great in class discussion. (14 and up)
Korman, G. (2007). Schooled. New York: Hyperion Books for Children.
Capricorn "Cap" Anderson has lived with his hippie grandmother, Rain all of his life. When his grandmother is injured he is put under the care of a family friend and enrolled in public school for the first time. At first he is treated as an outsider and made fun of by his classmates, but after saving the life of a bus driver all the students, with Zach and Hugh as the exceptions start to respect him. Hugh and Zach pull a prank on him at a football game that gets him injured. After his injury his grandmother, now healed, takes him back to their farm. Cap seeks out to attend the Halloween dance, which he discovers to be a wake for him. All the students have been trick into believing he is dead and are relieved to see him alive. His grandmother moved by his new life sells their farm and moves so that Cap may remain in his new school.
The theme of embarrassing your individuality no matter where you are is evident throughout the book and a good lesson for any child to learn as they grow up. The setting of the story is relatable and the main character is likable yet unwavering in his resolve to stay true to himself. (8-12)
Block, F. (2014). Love in the Time of Global Warming. New York:Square Fish.
Penelope, or Pen as she likes to be referred goes on a journey to find her family after an earthquake tidal wave strike and they are separated. She must cross a wasteland using a copy of Homer’s the Odyssey as a guide and the three friends she has made along the way. During her journey Pen discovers that she has gifts that aid her. She use one such gift to aid her in defeating Kronan, evil genius that created the monsters that caused the destruction and devastation. She is aiding throughout by a man she discovers is her biological father. He helps her to reunite with her brother and friends.
This retelling of Homer's the Odyssey features descriptive and somewhat complex language. The imagery and the experiences faced by the characters are best experienced by a more mature audience that can fully appreciate them. This book would be great to read in class after reading the Odyssey itself so students can see the parallels between the stories. (14 and up)
Angleberger, T. (2010). The Strange Case of Origami Yoda. New York: Amulet Books
Dwight is a sixth grader at McQuarrie Middle School and consider quite strange. One day he folds a Yoda figure puppet and does an imitation of the characters voice. Through the puppet Dwight begins to give advise and make predictions. His classmate Tommy is determined to prove that is real. He gathers testimony from a number of students who have had experiences with the Origami Yoda and recruits his friend Kellen to illustrate the file. Harvey, another classmate who has always been mean to Dwight attempts to destroy the file and all of Tommy’s work.
This light hearted story is perfect recreational reading for students. It is set in a familiar setting, a middle school, with characters they can relate to and root for. The language of the story is simple and entertaining. This book is best suited for children 8- 12.
