Roller Girl

Jamieson, V. (2015). Roller Girl. NY: Dial Books for Young Readers.

2016 Great Graphic Novels for Teens

Summary
Twelve year old, Astrid and her best friend, Nicole, do everything together. When Astrid's mom takes the girls to watch a Roller Derby, Astrid falls in love with the sport. Nicole, on the other hand, doesn't like the violence. When Astrid finds out about Roller Derby camp, she naturally wants Nicole to go with her. Rachel has plans of her own, and wants to attend ballet camp. This causes a rift in their friendship. Astrid learns that skating isn't as easy as she thought, but she learns to never give up on her dreams so that she can become “Asteroid” the Roller Derby Girl!

Commentary
I have found that I really enjoy graphic novels. This one was fun and full of color. I feel that this book has a great message for young readers about working hard and never giving up. Young adults are entering a stage of their lives where they are finding what they are good at and what they want to be. It was also nice to see a book depicting a girl playing sports.

Book Trailer

Author Talk

Eleanor and Park

2014 Printz Award Winner

Rowell, R. (2013). Eleanor and Park. NY: St. Martin's Griffin.

Summary

Eleanor and Park live in Omaha, Nebraska. Eleanor is a teenage girl with several little siblings and an abusive father. Park is a biracial, teenage boy with a little brother and a dad obsessed with Tae Kwan do.  One day Park catches Eleanor peaking over his shoulder to read tales of The X-Men, and he leans in closer so she can read it.  They began to build a friendship, which helps as Eleanor copes with a troubled home life.  Eventually, living at home has become unbearable for Eleanor. Park and his dad help her move to live with her aunt and uncle in Minnesota.  Park writes to Eleanor, but she doesn’t write back for six months.  When she finally writes back, she sends a postcard declaring her love for Park.

Commentary

My daughter suggested this book to me. She read it a few years ago and really enjoyed it. There is a bit of language, so it probably isn't ideal for younger readers. The characters come to life in the pages of this fiction novel. Sadly, too many young people can relate to the fear and sadness that Eleanor faces. It is a relief to see Eleanor finally escape the abuse of her father. The author did an excellent job of creating memorable characters that teens can relate to. I am glad that I finally gave this book a try.


Book Trailer

Group Reading Questions
https://us.macmillan.com/static/eleanorandpark/pdfs/Eleanor%20&%20Park%20Reading%20Group%20Questions.pdf

When You Reach Me

Stead, R. (2009). When You Reach Me. New York, NY: Wendy Lamb Books.

Summary

Miranda is a twelve year old girl in middle school. Her best friend, Sal, lives in her building.Miranda and Sal's friendship changes after he shuts her out and begins distancing himself from her. She makes with a girl named Annmarie. She also notices that the new kid, Marcus, seems to be around a lot. One day, Miranda starts receiving mysterious notes that seem to predict the future. The writer tells her that they need her help to save her friend's life. One day, it all starts to come together and the notes start to unfold. When Sal is almost hit by a car, it is a "homeless man" that saves him. Miranda eventually learns that Marcus is the homeless man, and has learned how to time travel. He was sending her the notes all along, to save Sal.

Commentary

I am not usually a fan of science fiction, but I did enjoy this book. The mystery keeps the reader on edge, wanting to know what will happen next. It leaves you guessing about who is sending the mysterious notes. The book really focuses on changing friendships, which is something that young adults and adolescents are dealing with. They can relate to Miranda's struggle to figure out relationships and find something she is good at.

Book Trailer

Question and Answer with the Author

Please Ignore Vera Dietz

King, A. S. (2010). Please Ignore Vera Dietz. NY: Knopf Books for Young Readers.

Summary
Vera Dietz and Charlie are best friends until he starts hanging out with new friends. When Charlie dies, Vera is left with guilt and a secret that she isn't sure she should tell. After years of trying to blend in, she now faces life differently. She tries to cope with the pain using alcohol, while keeping it hidden from her father. When life becomes too much, Vera must face the events of her life instead of hiding from them. Her and her father work through their problems and face the future.

Commentary
Many students deal with the same issues as Vera on a daily basis. They struggle with making the right choices when something else feels better in the moment. The book really plays on the changing roles of adolescents with their parents. Vera has to come to come to terms with how her parents' pasts have shaped them and influenced them to be the way they are.

Book Trailer

Author's Website and Discussion Guides
https://www.as-king.com/educator-resources

The Misadventures of Max Crumbly: Middle School Mayhem

Russell, R. (2017). The Misadventures of Max Crumbly Middle School Mayhem. NY: Simon & Schuster.

NYT Bestseller List - Summer 2017

Summary

This book picks up where the last book left off. Fortunately, they provide a recap in case you haven't read the first book. Max Crumbly is still trying to recover his dad's comic book from three thugs that are vandalizing the middle school. Max has one thing on his mind, and that is getting that comic book back. Rather than enlist the help of the authorities, he sets off on a series of misadventures with the help of his best friend Erin. 

Commentary

When I first saw this book cover, I thought that it reminded me of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books. When I realized it was written by the same author, I knew that I wanted to read it. I always liked reading those books with my daughters. My 6th graders loved the Wimpy Kid series, so I will definitely recommend this series as well. Although I don't think it is as good as her previous books, young readers will still enjoy the comedy and fun illustrations. This book would be great for reluctant readers. It leaves off on a cliff hanger, which leaves you wanting more.

Book website

http://maxcrumbly.com/

Book Trailer

Weetzie Bat

Block, F. (2004). Weetzie Bat. NY: Harper Teen

Summary

Weetzie Bat and Dirk are best friends. When Weetzie finds a magic lamp, she wishes for three things - a house for her and Dirk, for Dirk to meet a man (Duck), and for Weetzie to meet her Secret Agent Lover Man. Weetzie's wishes are granted and the four move in together. Weetzie wants a baby and tries unsuccessfully to convince Secret Agent Lover Man to have a child with her. When he refuses, she decides to have a baby with Dirk and Duck. Secret Agent Lover Man leaves because he doesn't approve of the pregnancy and lifestyle. He later returns after she has given birth to her daughter, Cherokee.

Commentary
This book had a lot of fantasy in it. It really wasn't my favorite book, and I really had a difficult time connecting with the characters. It was a fairly quick read, which is appealing to some readers. There are a lot of sensitive topics covered in this book, such as homosexuality and premarital sex, so it is probably best for older readers. Young adults can connect with Weetzie trying to juggle her relationships and friendships.

Book Trailer

Author Talk

Drowned City

Brown, D. (2016). Drowned City: Hurricane Katrina & New Orleans. NY: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

2016 Great Graphic Novels for Teens

Summary

This book details the devastating day when Hurricane Katrina struck the coast of New Orleans, Louisiana. It left death and destruction in it's path. Authorities did not respond to the crisis in a timely manner, and the people of the city felt abandoned. It was ordinary people that set out in personal boats to begin rescue efforts. Families were separated and forced to leave behind their family pets. The storm took a deadly toll on the beautiful city.

Commentary

This book really hit home because my town was recently devastated by Tropical Storm Harvey. I can relate to the helplessness and despair that the people of New Orleans felt. I also remember watching the news as Hurricane Katrina made landfall on New Orleans. It was heartbreaking to see the events unfold on the television. The author did an amazing job of capturing those events in the illustrations of this graphic novel. The images tell an emotional story of a city in crisis. I was impressed at the level of research that the author did to make sure the book was factual and accurate.

Book Trailer

Author's Website
http://www.booksbybrown.com/

Go: A Kidd's Guide to Graphic Design

Kidd, C. (2014). Go: A Kidd's guide to graphic design. NY: Workman.

Summary

Commentary

Book Trailer

Chip Kidd Explains His Process

Under the Mesquite

McCall, G. (2011). Under the Mesquite. New York, NY: Lee and Low Books.

2014 Outstanding Books for the College Bound - Literature and Language Arts

Summary

Lupita spent her first six years in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico before moving to the border town of Eagle Pass, Texas. She discovers that her mother has cancer during her freshman year of high school. While her father takes her mom to Galveston for treatment, Lupita is left to be the parent figure to her seven siblings. The book details her struggles both at home and at school as she navigates the teenage years and her mother’s illness. She finds an outlet through drama at school thanks to her teacher, Mr. Cortez. Throughout the book, she retreats to the mesquite tree in her mother’s rose garden. After her mother passes away, Lupita uses drama and writing as a way to channel and work through her pain and grief. In the end, she is able to overcome the hardships she experienced throughout high school, and realize her dream of going to college.

Commentary

Under the Mesquite is a free verse novel. The lines are short and free flowing, creating an easy read. The author’s use of figurative language and imagery help paint a picture in the mind of the reader. I enjoyed how the words flowed. Students can connect to the confusion and heartbreak that the loss of a loved one brings. They are also able to see the strength that Lupita has during a difficult time. I really enjoyed this book and this format of writing. 

Book Trailer

Author's Website
http://guadalupegarciamccall.com/

Read Between the Lines

Knowles, J. (2015). Read Between the Lines. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.

 



2016 Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers

 

 

Summary

 

This novel follows nine teens and one teacher through the course of a single day. Each chapter tells the story of a new character from their point of view. You are able to see how all the characters are connected to one another. Throughout the day, their stories intertwine with each other. They are all dealing with hidden struggles that others are unaware of. Some of the issues include heartbreak, bullying, family problems, and sexuality. Each character is either being given the middle finger or giving the middle finger. It all starts when Nate's middle finger is broken by the bully in gym and has to be splinted up.

 

Commentary

 

A friend actually recommended this book to me, so I was excited when I saw that it was also on our reading list. I really enjoyed that the reader is able to see that everyone has issues they are dealing with, no matter how perfect their life may appear on the outside. I enjoyed the double meaning behind the title. Reading between the lines is used as slang for giving someone the finger, which is a common theme in this book. However, it can also be used to mean to look closer at something, which is what I think the author wants readers to do. Teens will understand that life is more complicated that it appears and that we often influence other in unknown ways, just like the characters in the book. Our choices can change the course of someone else's day or even life.

 

Jo Knowles Inspiration for the Book

 

 

 



Persepolis

Satrapi, M. (2003). Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood. New York: Pantheon.

Summary

Marjane Satrapi tells her autobiographical story through the black and white pictures of a graphic novel. She is a young girl growing up during the Islamic Revolution. Her peaceful childhood is replaced by confusion and hate. She doesn't conform to the expectations of her new government. She dislikes wearing a veil and being separated from the boys. After she gets in trouble at school, her parents decide it would be safest to send her away. The cultural change is a big adjustment for Marj in Vienna, and she struggles to fit in. Unhappy away from her family, Marj eventually returns to Iran. She gets married and later divorced. After awhile, she realizes that Iran is still not the place for her and again leaves, still trying to find her place in this world.

Commentary

Like Marjane, so many young adults are struggling to "find themselves" and figure out where they belong. Her thoughts are on point with adolescents the same age as her in the book. I think that by using graphic novel format, it allowed the topic to be easier to read and more approachable. Some young readers might be intimidated by the political content just because it is unfamiliar to them. Satrapi does an excellent job of helping the reader understand what is going on in an easy to understand format. She keeps the book lighthearted and entertaining.

Interview with the Author

 

Persepolis Background Lesson Plans

http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-plans/gaining-background-graphic-novel-1063.html?tab=1#tabs

Ghost

Reynolds, J.  (2016)  Ghost.  New York:  Atheneum Books for Young Readers.

2017 Best Fiction for Young Adults Top Ten



Summary

Castle Cranshaw, Ghost, is being raised by his single mother. His father is in prison for shooting at them. He is always getting in trouble at school. One day Ghost notices some kids running on the track and decides to give it a try. The coach allows him to try out for the track team and drives him to his house to ask him mom's permission. She agrees to let him run track if he stays out of trouble. After a few bumps in the road, Ghost begins to excel at track and becomes part of the team. He cuts the hi-tops off his shoes to make it easier to run, but the other kids make fun of him. He ends up visiting a shoe store and stealing a pair of fancy, silver shoes when the clerk isn't looking. He feels guilty about taking the shoes, but justifies it because he needs them to run fast. When Coach finds out that he stole the shoes, he is furious. Ghost begs him not to tell his mom because it would devastate her. Instead Coach makes him clean out his cab, apologize to the shoe store clerk, and doesn't give him a track uniform. He makes Ghost work hard to earn the uniform back and he is proud when Ghost is able to run in the race in front of his mom, aunt, and cousin.

Commentary

I listened to this book on audiobook and really enjoyed the narration. The narrator was very animated and really brought Ghost to life. I think that this book would appeal to some of the boys that are a little reluctant to pick a book. Ghost acted impulsively by stealing the shoes and had to suffer the consequences of those actions. Throughout the book, you are able to see how Coach provides a positive role model to Ghost and helps him reach his potential. Running provided an outlet for him, like sports provides an outlet for many other middle school aged students.

Book Trailer

Author Reads Excerpt

Deadline

Crutcher, C. (2007). Deadline. NY: HarperCollins Publishers.

Summary

Right before his senior year of high school, Ben gets unexpected news after going for a school physical. He has a rare blood disease and the treatment options don't look good. He decides to forgo treatment and keep his condition a secret from everyone, including his family. He sets out to spend his last year living life to the fullest and doing everything that he was always too afraid to do before. He goes out for the varsity football team and pursues the girl that he has been in love with for awhile. He also challenges his teachers and even tries to get a road named after Malcolm X in their all white community. Through the guidance of Hey-Soos, a figure that visits him in his dreams, he realizes that he is hurting everyone he loves by keeping his condition a secret.

Commentary

This book really deals with some serious issues such as rape, child molestation, suicide, and death. Unfortunately, these are many topics that young adults are facing as well and can find relatable in this book. Many young adults can also relate to Ben wanting to challenge what he has always been taught and search for the truth himself. In the book, Ben is really searching for the meaning and purpose of life. It really challenges the reader to question their own views and ideas on the purpose of life and how we effect those around us.

Educator's Reading Guide
http://www.chriscrutcher.com/for-educators.html

Interview With the Author

The Crossover

Alexander, K. (2014). The Crossover. MA: HMH Books for Young Readers.

2015 Newbery Medal Winner

2015 Coretta Scott King Award Winner

2015 Top Ten Best Fiction for Young Adults

Summary

This is the story of twelve year old Josh Bell and his family. He gives his life experiences to the reader in verse. Josh and his twin brother, Jordan (JB), are both basketball stars for their junior high team. Their dad was a famous basketball player, so they have big shoes to fill. The boys both seem destined for greatness, until a girl catches JB's eye. Josh feels alone with JB's attention elsewhere. Things get worse when their father's health plummets and he passes away unexpectedly. Josh turns to basketball to cope with the pain.

Commentary

This is a realistic fiction, that middle school aged kids can relate to. It was an easy read, and would be a good choice for reluctant readers. The sports theme would be especially interesting to many middle school aged boys. The book focuses on changing relationships, which is a huge part of middle school. Students are just beginning to have relationships and see childhood friendships evolve and sometimes end. The book also focuses on the bond and strength of family. This book could also be used in the classroom for a discussion about poetry.

Educator's Guide: 
https://www.teachervision.com/novels/crossover-educators-guide

Kwame Alexander Discusses the Book

 

Kwame Alexander Reads an Excerpt

 

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Alexie, S. (2007). The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. NY: Little, Brown, and Company.

Summary

Junior is a Spokane Indian. He was born with water on the brain, and his family is extremely poor. After his teacher encourages him to leave the reservation, Junior moves to an all white high school in Reardan. This causes a fight between Junior and his best friend, Rowdy. The other reservation Indians also shun him for leaving. Junior makes friends and the school, and they begin calling him by his first name, Arnold. After awhile, he starts to feel like a part time Indian because he is Junior at the reservation and Arnold at school. After a series of alcohol related losses, Junior must come to terms with accepting himself and mending his friendship with Rowdy. He decides that he doesn't belong to just one tribe, but to multiple tribes: American Immigrants, basketball players, book worms, cartoonists, etc.

Commentary

The book was an easy read and the pictures helped to add a little bit of fun. Although I enjoyed the book, I found it to be quite sad. A few years ago I visited an Indian Reservation as part of a mission trip, and saw first hand the effects that alcohol has on those communities. I know that there are students that can relate to the feelings of being trapped by poverty and hopelessness. This book also addresses the topics of fitting in and figuring out who you are.


Book Review

 

 



Author's Website
http://fallsapart.com/
 

Smile

Telgemeier, R. (2010). Smile. NY: Scholastic Press.

Summary

This book is autobiographical about the author, Raina Telgemeier.  6th grade is tough enough when you have to deal with zits, boys, and bullies, but it is even worse when you have to deal with insecurities. Raina's stress skyrockets when she trips and knocks out her 2 front teeth. Now she has to spend the next 4 years dealing with braces and headgear on top of the normal adolescent drama. When she has her final surgery, she finally able to smile with confidence.

Commentary

I loved this book! I feel that it is very relatable to young readers because they all are dealing with insecurities in one way or another. They have to find a way to discover their inner confidence. The author used language that is appropriate for middle school students and is similar to how they would talk. I know that my students love graphic novels, so I feel that the illustrations add to the appeal of this book.

Book Trailer:

Discussion Questions: https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plans/teaching-content/discussion-questions-smile-raina-telgemeier/

Author's Website: http://goraina.com/

Looking For Alaska

Green, J. (2005). Looking for Alaska. NY: Dutton Books.

Summary
Miles "Pudge" Harper is beginning his Junior year at Culver Creek Preparatory School. He befriends his roommate, Chip (the Colonel), and his group of friends Takumi, and Alaska. Alaska is a troubled girl, but Pudge is smitten with her nonetheless. The group of friends rebel against school rules by drinking, smoking, and pranking. After a night of pranking and drinking, Alaska wakes Pudge and Colonel in the middle of the night to help her escape off campus. They are devastated to later find out that she died in a car accident that night. They feel partly responsible and set out to uncover answers surrounding her death.

Commentary

This book is divided into two parts: Before and After. I feel that readers that have experienced loss can relate to this idea of life before and after the death of a loved one. We have to figure out how to cope with our emotions and accept the unknown, just as Pudge and Colonel had to do. Life is never the same after losing someone important, but we have to figure out how to pick up and move on. John Green does an excellent job of creating characters that the reader can connect with. Young readers can also relate to the choices that Pudge is presented with such as drugs, alcohol, and sex.

Educators Guide: http://www.penguin.com/static/images/yr/pdf/JohnGreen_Guide_june_2014.pdf

Book Trailer:

John Green on the Banning of Looking for Alaska: