LS 561 Current Trends in Literature Blog

Getting It by Alex Sanchez (2006)

2008-08-02T16:38:00.000-07:00

Intended Audience: This book is intended to be read by students whose ages range from 12 years and up. I enjoyed this book because it teaches students to stand up for their cause.

Lesson: Students could work in groups and decorate a stick and then use it as a talking stick. The purpose for the stick would be for students to practice taking turns listening and communicating with each other. The person holding the stick does the talking and when done passes it on for someone else to communicate on a topic being used for discussion.

Annotation: Carlos Amoroso is fifteen years old and still a virgin. He wants to hook up with Roxy, the most popular girl in school. Carlos has a plan and decides to ask Sal, a senior at the same high school. Sal is gay and agrees to give Carlos a makeover but under one condition that Carlos will help him start a Gay-Straight Alliance. Sal does help to improve Carlos room, clothes and hair. He also teaches him to stand up for himself and what he deems is right.

Poison Ivy by Amy Goldman Koss (2006)

2008-08-02T16:24:00.000-07:00

Intended Audience: This book is intended to be read by students whose ages range from 14 years and up. It is a book that portrays bullying in a very realistic way as seen in court. Surprisingly, in the end it demonstrates that our judicial system is not always fair. I really felt for Ivy, the main character especially after knowing that she had been experiencing this type of humiliation for years.

Lesson: This book could be used as a skit. Students could start by defining the term bullying. Then they can explain what motivates someone to bully and the consequences of being bullied. Each person participating would write a 1-2 minute monologue about bullying from the perspective of either the person being bullied or the one doing the bullying.

Annotation: Ivy is the victim in the story, who is being bullied by Ann and her two friends. Ivy writes a poem that is found by her government teacher Ms. Gold. This is how she learns that Ivy has been the victim of bullying for several years by the "Evil Three." It is then that she decides to do a mock trial in order to educate students about the legal system. She assigns roles for the students to act out in the trial. Throughout the trial you hear the different stories told by the different characters. This book shows the cruelty of adolescents. One juror tells it all "popularity is the wrong word, popularity means everyone likes you. But no one likes sour popular girsl; it's more about fear." The ending is unsettling "Beauty wins and the truth is irrelevant."

Good Girls by Laura Ruby (2006)

2008-08-02T16:12:00.000-07:00

Intended Audience: This book would be suitable for high school students who have experienced some type of humiliation and whose ages range from 14 years and up.

Lesson: In this lesson students will review the meaning of stereotype. They will work in groups and come up with stereotype statements. Then discuss if statements are fair and finally write what was learned. Another way to present this lesson is by using a bulletin board. Write statements on sentence strips and staple a blown up balloon next to the statement. If students agree that the stereotype statements are not fair then use a pin to blow out the balloon.

Annotation: Audrey is an honor student, who has "friends-with-benefit arrangement" with Luke De Salvio, the hottest guy at school. Audrey's life is about to change when someone takes a picture of her performing oral sex on Luke. The picture is e-mailed to classmates and her father. As a result, Audrey is now dealing with insults from classmates, lectures from her school principal and discussions with her parents. She is determined to regain her self-esteem and at the same time realizes that she is just human. This book teaches teens that life goes on, even when one experiences humiliation.

Huge by Sasha Paley (2007)

2008-08-02T15:58:00.001-07:00

Intended Audience: This title would work great with students, whose ages range from 11 through 13 years old. It is a book about friendship, acceptance and being healthy. I would read this book to middle school students who are having a difficult time being accepted by their peers. Teens at this age worry so much about their looks and fitting into the right clique.

Lesson: The teacher could draw a silhouette outline of a person and gather the students in a group. The silhouette would have a pretend name and then be introduced to students. Teacher and students can discuss how someone new might feel in a new school. Then have students make negative or mean comments to the new member. The teacher will then tear off a piece of the silhouette every time someone says a mean comment and then hands it over to the person who made the comment. The teacher together with the students who said something mean will try and tape the silhouette back together. In the end the students will realize that even though the silhouette was put back together it will not look the same. A discussion about how hurtful words can be and that the scars don't completely heal in the end would work great with this lesson and book.

Annotation: April has saved her babysitting money to attend Wellness Canyon, an exclusive weight loss spa. Another character Wil is being forced to attend camp by her rich famous parents in order for her to lose weight. The two girls end up as roommates and insult each other, become friends, kiss the same boy and lose weight. Together they plan their revenge against Colin. In the end they fight and make-up. This is a book about learning to accept yourself-no matter your size.

Endgame by Nancy Garden (2006)

2008-08-02T15:47:00.000-07:00

Intended Audience: This book takes a serious look at the issues of bullying and school violence. Readers will get to experience the consequences of Gray's actions. It is appropriate for readers ranging from ages 14 years and up.

Lesson: Students can create their own dictionary pages, which can include vocabulary words defining the term bullying. They can include drawn illustrations and present as a project to classmates.

Annotation: Fifteen year old Gray Wilton believes that things will get better. He has moved to a new town, new school and a new start. However, it doesn't take long for Gray to realize that nothing is going to change because their are bullies in every school. Gray and his friends that ride the bus together are bullied in different ways. They are told brutal words, physically abused and emotionally tormented. Gray feels trapped until the day he walks into Greenfield High School with his father's semiautomatic and begins shooting at classmates. His life will change forever because of his actions.

Quaking by Kathryn Erskine (2007)

2008-08-02T15:36:00.000-07:00

Intended Audience: This book would be of benefit for students in 9th grade and up, who are interested in reading about being accepted and standing your ground on your beliefs. I liked this book because Matt, the main character showed her maturity and at the same time stood her ground and defended her family.

Lesson: Students could create a poster describing each character and present to classmates.

Annotation: The main character Matt, is a young teen who has been moved from home to home. She finally ends up with Sam and Jessica Fox, who are Quakers and have also adopted a disabled boy Rory. They are an over protective couple who finally make Matt feel safe at home. However, Matt feels she should stand up for them, when they are bullied and challenged because of their peaceful principle believes of war.

The Plain Janes by Cecil Castellucci (2007)

2008-08-02T15:23:00.000-07:00

Intended Audience: This is a good read for students interested on issues dealing with friends, community and survival. The target age group would be 12years and up. It teaches students that being in the in group is not always a positive thing. You must allow yourself to socialize with others and not judge people by their looks.

Lesson: Students could create a venn-diagram outlining the differences and similarities of all the four Janes.

Annotation: A good to read graphic novel about a girl named Jane, who is forced to move from the Metro City to the Suburbs with her parents. Jane was injured in a bomb attack and befriended a comatose man at the hospital. She attends a new school where she refuses to join the cool kids and instead chooses to sit at the reject table. There she sits with three other girls who are also named Jane. The girls together form a secret art gang and decide to carry out "art attacks" around their community based on issues that involve their area of living. They are known as the P. L. A. I. N. (People Loving Art in Neighborhoods). The group becomes popular even with the coolest kids in school. However, this group has created havoc among their community, which leads to the girls letting go off P.L.A.I.N. and in the end they continue to bring art into the city.

Chat Room by Kristin Butcher (2006)

2008-08-02T15:06:00.000-07:00

Intended Audience: This book contains short chapters and is easy to read for those students who find the topic of chat rooms interesting and feel the need to be accepted by others. It applies well to middle school or younger readers between the ages of 11 to 15 years old.

Lesson: A small group activity in which students brainstorm the story events through the use of a timeline. The timeline could include pictures and students could present activity to classmates.

Annotation: This story is about teen characters that gather at a high school assembly. Linda is the shy girl, Janet is called "beastly" because of her appearance, Marc is the popular kid and Chad is the quiet kid. Chad has set up an online school website for Wellington students. Linda joins the chat under a different name and is soon known as the queen of one-liners. She then begins receiving gifts from a secret admirer who signs with the letter "C". Linda is confident about her life until " C" reveals his identity.

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher (2007)

2008-08-02T14:53:00.001-07:00

Intended Audience: I felt that this particular book would be a good choice for high school students of both genders, whose ages range from 14years and up. It will help students see how our words and actions can affect another person's life.

Lesson: This title could be used to have a group discussion on the topic of suicide and would work great as a booktalk.

Annotation: Clay the main narrator returns home from school to find a package that contains several cassette tapes. These tapes were recorded by Hannah Baker, a girl who committed suicide two weeks earlier. Hannah's voice explains the thirteen reasons and the thirteen people connected to her suicide. During the time that Clay listens to the tapes, he finds out more ways that people let Hannah down.

Theme: Bullying

2008-08-02T14:28:00.000-07:00

Does My Head Look Big in This? By Randa Fattah Abdel (2007)

Intended Audience: This particular book would be appreciated by students, who don't fit in, feel like outsiders and are trying to find their identity. It would be appropriate for students whose ages range from 12years and up.

Lesson: Can be used to introduce a lesson on cultural diversity by creating a family tree or interviewing family members about their heritage.

Annotation: This book is about 16 year old Amal, a Muslim girl who decides during winter break to wear the hijah. The hijah is the Muslim head scarf that is worn to show a person's faith. Amal, is a typical teenager who wants to fit in with her peers. She has a crush on a cute boy and tries to figure out her clothing outfits just like any other teen. However, because of her decision to wear the hijah she must deal with cliques and bullies that call her "towel head". She also has a group of friends that just like her must struggle with their own adolescent issues.

2008 Notable Children's Book

2008-07-08T00:07:00.000-07:00

There Is a Bird on Your Head! - This book is about a pessimistic elephant named Gerald and his optimistic best friend Piggie. All the trouble begins when a bird lands on Gerald's head. He is not happy about the news. The bird is then joined by his mate and they build a nest. Then, they lay their eggs which later hatch. Gerald becomes hysterical until Piggie tells him to ask the birds to move. He does and they comply but to Piggie's amazement they move to her head. This book has simple words and colored pictures. The message to this book is that it's important to speak up and let others know what you want.

I would recommend this book for younger readers it was a joy to read. It will allow the readers to role play the parts of Gerald and Piggie. The struggling reader will enjoy because of it's simple and expressive text that contains repetition.

2008 Notable Children's Book

2008-07-07T23:58:00.000-07:00

First the Egg- This is a book that illustrates how living things can grow and then change. It first includes an egg-shaped cut out that hatches into a baby chick, a tadpole turns into a frog, seed becomes part of a flower and then a caterpillar becomes a butterfly. The simple die cuts use in this book portray the transformation of living things.

This book would really provide younger readers with an interesting view on how living things can grow. It is a colorful book that would be appreciated by readers who are reluctant to learn about science.

2008 Notable Children's Book

2008-07-07T23:35:00.001-07:00

Fred Stays with Me - This story is about a girl, whose parents are divorced and share custody of her. She goes back and forth to her parents but always with her faithful companion Fred, the dog. The conflict begins when the girl stays at her moms, Fred barks at the neighbor's dog. He steals socks at her dad's place. Both her parents are upset because of the mess and problems that Fred does while at their homes and want to get rid of him. The girl tells both of them very determined " Fred Stays with Me!" In the end both parents find ways to help Fred stay out of trouble.

I liked this book because it provides the younger reader with issues dealing with divorce. It allows the reader a positive view on how parents can find ways to make the seperation easier on a child and most importantly how they can work together.

2008 Notable Children's Book

2008-07-07T23:29:00.001-07:00

A Good Day- A picture book about four animal characters that are having a bad day. They include a yellow bird, white dog, orange fox and a little brown squirrel. Eventually things turn around for each one in a postive way. The book also includes a young girl who finds a bird's feather and tucks it behind her ear. She calls out to her mom and says It's a Good Day! It is a book that has simple ink illustrations with beautiful watercolors.

This book teaches readers that from something negative great things can also happen. We are surrounded by so much negativity that finding a book that promotes being positive is a great resource.

2008 Notable Children's Book

2008-07-07T22:24:00.000-07:00

Martina the Beautiful Cockroach: A Cuban Folktale-

This is a funny, humourous tale of Martina the cockroach. Martina has reached the age to find a husband. Her Cuban grandmother gives her advice on how to find the right husband. She is to spill coffee on her suitor's feet and see their reactions. Martina puts her grandmother's advice to the test with a rooster, pig and lizard. The first three suitors show their true temperments and she is not pleased with the results. Finally she meets mouse, a humble gardener who she feels might be her perfect match. Martina doesn't want to spill coffee on the mouse, but instead he spills it on her. In the end he reminds Martina that he also has a Cuban grandmother and they both laugh.

This book could be used to introduce common traditions found in other cultures.

2008 National Book for Young People's Literature Category

2008-07-07T22:18:00.000-07:00

The Absolute True Diary of a Part-Time Indian- This story is about 14 year Arnold Spirit, who was born in Spokane Indian reservation. He was born with " water on the brain" and had brain surgery. As a result, he struggles with seizures and awkard looking physical features. Arnold is determined to leave the his life of poverty and alcoholism at the reservation. He enrolls at Reardan, an all white high school twenty miles away from the reservation. There Arnold struggles to fit in but eventually he makes friends, starts dating "sort of" and becomes part of the winning varsity baseketball team. This story shows how one person surpasses the most difficult situations in life to obtain his own identity.

A great book to use for high school students overcoming a deformity and how to deal with stares and other humiliating situations. It can also be used to clarify the topic of stereotypes that people may already have about the life on a reservation.

TAYSHAS 2008-2009

2008-07-07T19:31:00.000-07:00

Deadline- This is the story of 18 year old Ben Wolf. He is a senior in high school and has been diagnosed with a terminal illness. He learns he has only one year to live and wants to live life to the fullest. He decides to keep it a secret from everyone. Ben wants his last year to be as normal as possible,so he decides to join the football team, befriends the town drunk, challenges his U. S. government and current events teacher and gets the courage to ask the perfect girl Dallas Suzuki out for a date. Throughout the story Ben realizes that he is not the only one with secrets, yet in the end he leaves his legacy.

This book would work great in a debate class. Students could discuss Ben's decisions about keeping his secret from everyone.

TAYSHAS 2008-2009

2008-07-06T22:00:00.000-07:00

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian-

This story is about 14 year Arnold Spirit, who was born in Spokane Indian reservation. He was born with " water on the brain" and had brain surgery. As a result, he struggles with seizures and awkard looking physical features. Arnold is determined to leave the his life of poverty and alcoholism at the reservation. He enrolls at Reardan, an all white high school twenty miles away from the reservation. There Arnold struggles to fit in but eventually he makes friends, starts dating "sort of" and becomes part of the winning varsity baseketball team. This story shows how one person surpasses the most difficult situations in life to obtain his own identity.

This is a very sad story, but the use of shorter chapters and the diverse language make it a great book. You will find yourself cheering for the main character, who makes great strides throughout the story.

TAYSHAS 2008-2009

2008-07-06T21:35:00.000-07:00

Twisted- Tyler, a high school senior who is struggling to become a man. His family seems like a typical family which includes his mother, father and sister. Tyler has been put on probation because he spray painted school property. He takes on a summer job doing landscaping that changes his physical appearance. Tyler struggles with his father's relationship because he blames him for everything that has gone wrong with their family. He also struggles with school faculty and the results of a drunken party. He contemplates suicide and in the end confronts his father about his accusations against him.

It is an exceptional book. It will grab your attention from the beginning of the first page. The writers use of descriptions and grim humor depicts an accurate portrait of high school life. I first thought that this book would be a typical, a nerd student becomes popular but as I continued reading, it turned out to be so much more. This book deals with the reality of life. The main character deals with many problems a teen faces which include such issues as suicide, consequences of one's actions and family problems.

LONE STAR 2008-2009

2008-07-06T21:19:00.000-07:00

Peak- This story is about fourteen year old Peak Marcello, who lives in New York City and loves to climb. He is caught climbing a sky scraper and is sent away to live with his father in Thailand. His father is an avid mountain climber who wants him to be the youngest person to climb Mt. Everest. During his stay with his father, Peak discovers that his dad will be making money by having him climb Mt. Everest. Peak builds new relationships with the people he is climbing with especially Sun-jo. In the end Peak allows Sun-Jo to complete the climb.

It is a very good story with a surprising twist at the end. Smith, the author is able to keep the reader interested and hooked with the relationship between father and son and the adventures on the highest mountain in the world.

LONE STAR 2008-2009

2008-07-06T21:07:00.000-07:00

Middle School is Worse than Meatloaf: A Year Told Through Stuff- The main character is Ginny, who is in the seventh grade and is concerned with the normal things most girls are concerned with during middle school. She worries about her hair, pink sweater, ex-friend, passing classes, getting along with her mother and brother and finding a new father. Ginny's life is told through her report cards, assignments, notes to friends, instant messaging and receipts. She hates meatloaf and compares it to her year in school. In the end her year in 7th grade is not so bad, since she ends up winning the Science Fair.

It is an exciting book to read for the visual learner and a great read for the reluctant reader. The format used to tell the story is innovative and will appeal to students about to enter middle school.

Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers

2008-07-06T20:33:00.000-07:00

Thalia Belleza: Lessons in Lipgloss and Happiness-

In this book Thalia provides girls with information on skincare, eyes, lips, hair, makeovers and foundation. She relates her personal problems with acne and the treatments used to solve her problem.

It is really an enjoyable book that includes before and after photos of herself and other models. Thalia makes this book very personal by providing her beauty secrets and the do's and don'ts.

Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers

2008-07-06T19:18:00.001-07:00

Beige- This book is about Katy, a quiet girl that must go and live with her father in Los Angeles for two weeks while her mother is on a trip to Peru. She is not happy in L. A. and hates the whole idea of spending time with her father, a rock drummer. She misses her mother. During her stay she befriends Lake the daughter of the lead singer in her father's band and Garth the skateboarder. Lake gives Katy the nickname "Beige" because she is so bland. Throughout the story the reader is able to see how Katy is beginning to change her ways by becoming more outgoing. In the end Katy realizes that her dad is a good man and does love her.

BEIGE is a fantastic, honest, real and well-written novel, made for music lovers. It is a wonderful and amazing good life story with realistic and well-developed characters. The themes of acceptance, forgiveness and adventure were very naturally portrayed in the novel.

Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers

2008-07-06T18:18:00.001-07:00

Baby Girl- This book is written in a form of three letters. In her three letters Sheree, the main protagonist writes about her life with her single mother and having little contact with her father, the attempts made to stay connected with both of her parents and last is her talking to her son about his own father and the consequences of the choices she has made in life.

The different issues expressed in this book are realistic and include the topics of self-esteem, the use of our bodies, race and teen pregnancy. A great book to use for high school students who might be experiencing a similar situation as Sheree.

Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers

2008-07-06T18:11:00.001-07:00

Glass- This book is a sequel to Crank, in which Ellen Hopkins relates her daughter's battle with meth. A tremendous book written in verses and focuses on Kristina. Kristina is the main protagonist that becomes addicted to glass, a more addicting drug that takes her world into a twirl of struggles. She gets kicked out of her house, loses custody of her son and steals to support her habit.The sad part to this book is at the end when you find out that she is pregnant again.

This book will provide the reader with a disturbing look at addiction and the damage it can inflict upon someone.

Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers

2008-07-06T17:56:00.000-07:00

Thin- This is an informative book on eating disorders among women and self- improvement. A collection of pictures that portray the four women that are seeking treatment at the Renfrew Treatment Facility are found in this book. Each pictures has a descripiton of each girl and what caused the development of their eating disorder.

It is a book that offers an experimental and touching journey through the world of eating disorders. I would recommend that this title become available for teens.

Best Books for Young Adult 2008

2008-07-01T22:48:00.001-07:00

Lock and Key- This is the story of Ruby a girl who works at an airport and is doing well in school. She has been managing just fine living on her own, ever since her mom left a few months ago. That is until State Services takes her away to live with her sister Cora. Cora is a lawyer and is married to Jamie, a famous businessman. Ruby attends a new school and befriends Nate, the handsome jock that lives behind her. During her stay with her sister, Ruby begins working at the mall with a jewelry designer and starts a trend in necklaces. She later finds herself getting involved in the lives of these new people. Ruby's mom always had her moving around that she never made friends and had a difficult time trusting others. As the story moves on Ruby realizes that Nate has troubles and needs her help. Ruby realizes that at one point she refused assistance from others and now she is beginning to feel comfortable in her new home. In the end the key that Ruby wears around her neck symbolizes her desire to stay connected to her old life but when she gives it away she feels comfortable in her new life.

Best Books for Young Adult 2008

2008-07-01T22:16:00.000-07:00

The Fortunes of Indigo Skye- This is the story of Indigo Skye, a girl who is completing high school and works part-time as a waitress. Indigo's life couldn't be better because she has an amazing boyfriend, Trevor, a caring family and loves being a waitress at Carrera's Restaurant. The story unfolds one day when she notices a pack of cigarettes in this strange man's pocket. She tell him off but strangely enough the man opens up to her and talks about his unhappy life. Several weeks later Richard Howards, the strange man leaves Indigo and envelope which has two-and-a half million dollars. Indigo gets a new car, flat-screen TV and buy presents for everyone she cares about. Even though, she has been told that money changes people, she struggles to remain true to herself. In the end Indigo learns to be rich and responsible.

Best Books for Young Adult 2008

2008-07-01T22:07:00.000-07:00

The Arrival- This is a story of a father who has moved to a strange land of opportunity to seek a better life for him and his family. During his journey he encounters fantastical creatures that are very natural to the native inhabitants. He also meets other immigrants that share their stories and are kind to him. In the end he is reunited with his family.

This is a simple story with the use of imagery that relates a tale about immigration. It would be a great book to read for someone who has recently experienced a move to a new city, school or community.

Best Books for Young Adult 2008

2008-07-01T21:55:00.000-07:00

Skulduggery Pleasant- This novel's main character is Stephanie Edgley's, who wishes for something more than an ordinary life. Things are about to change for Stephanie who inherits her novelist uncles estate. After spending a night alone in the mansion, she is attacked by a strange man, who demands for her to hand him a "key". During the attack a mysterious man known as Skulduggery Pleasant arrives and saves her. He is a well-dressed talking skeleton. Together both of them journey into a world of magic to overcome an ancient evil, who is trying to acquire her uncle's sceptre. In the end Stephanie and Skulduggery Pleasant are the heroes in the novel overcoming evil.

Best Books for Young Adult 2008

2008-07-01T21:53:00.000-07:00

The Invention of Hugo Cabret- A captivating fiction book about an orphan boy named Hugo. He lives in Paris and takes over his Uncle Claude's job of maintaining the clocks at the train station. In order to survive Hugo steals and is caught stealing from a toy booth. He is forced to work at the toy shop to pay for the items he took. Hugo's secret of living alone is uncovered and George Meilies, the toy stand owner takes him to live with him and his grandaughter Isabelle. Eventually, Hugo creates an automation and becomes a magician.

This is a thick book that might not appeal to readers, however, once they see that the story is told through pictures their reluctance to pick it up will change. This book is simply magical and tells a tale of triumph.

Batchelder Award 2008

2008-07-01T20:34:00.000-07:00

Viz Media; for Brave Story- This story tells of the adventures of 10 year old Wataru. He is a boy whose life has become a mess. His father left the family for another woman and the mother has been hospitalized after trying to committ suicide. Wataru wants to change his life and so he navigates into a magical world of Vision. This is a land filled with both friendly and fierce creatures. Through his journey he encounters struggles and one real world rival that he must outwit. This rival wants to reach the Tower of Destiny. Wataru must gather five gemstones and visit the goddess at the Tower of Destiny in order for her to grant him one wish. His wish is for his family to be back the way they used to be. In the end Wataru makes a selfless wish to save Vision from the Mazoku because of all the friends he has made. He gets his mom back and Mitsuru and Aya are brought back to life.

This is an intriguing fantasy tale about adventure, growing up, friendship and family bonds. The novel unites together the themes of growing up and dealing with adversity into an adventure that will excite a wide range of readers.

Coretta Scott King Illustration Award 2008

2008-06-30T20:28:00.000-07:00

Let it Shine- This book celebrates three traditional African-American favorite spirituals that include: " This Little Light of Mine," "Oh, When the Saints Go Marching In," and "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands." Each page in the oversized book contains two lines of lyrics next to images of nature, children and adults of different skin tones. The collage illustrations make it a wonderful book that will definetely enlight readers of different ages. Furthermore, the first two songs use the figure of childrens as their primary design and the last song is illustrated with multi-colored hands that emit a sense of reassurance and comfort. A musical notation for each song is provided at the end of the book.

An amazing and exciting book that will make readers sing along and join in a group.

Coretta Scott King Text Award 2008

2008-06-30T20:26:00.000-07:00

Elijah of Buxton- This story is being narrated by Elijah Freeman, an 11 year old boy. He is described by his parents as "fra-gile". Elijah was the first child "born free" to former slaves in Buxton. Elijah knows about slavery but has had no first- hand experience of what it means to live in a life of slavery. The story unfolds when Elijah sets out to Detroit to find the corrupt preacher, who stole Mr. Leroy's money. Mr. Leroy wants to buy his children out of slavery. During his journey to America Elijah encounters a group of slaves. He is unable to save them all but is able to transport a baby girl to freedom. In the end Elijah has earned the distinction of being the youngest conductor on the Underground Railroad. He was able to stand strong with the confrontations of slavery.

This story is filled with humor, adventure, heartbreaking events and filled with promise. It allows the reader to experience a time and place in history of the 1850's.

Belpre Award Illustrations 2008

2008-06-30T19:50:00.000-07:00

Los Gatos Black on Halloween- This is a bilingual Halloween poem book. The black cats and creatures of the night are throwing a party at a Haunted Hall. The witches come on their broomsticks and the skeletons rattle their bones. Other night creatures include ghost, phantoms, werewolves and corpses that appear at the party. The ending is a surprise and at the same time full of laughs. The creatures at the ball are frightened at the end by the children who come to the door yelling, "Trick or Treat. This book is written in stanzas that are composed of English and Spanish words. This creates a simple story in which the traditions of American Halloween are mixed with the Mexican Dia de los Muertos.

Belpre Award Text 2008

2008-06-30T19:23:00.000-07:00

The Poet Slave of Cuba: A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano- This book tells the story of the poet Juan Francisco Manzano, who lived in slavery in Cuba. The biography is told in verses, which allows the readers to understand the horrors and cruelty inflicted upon Juan. He was whipped anytime he was caught showing his gift of poetry with words and use of language. The poetry in this book is strong and speaks directly to the reader. It is a well written book but not as pleasant to read.

This book makes you wonder how someone could live under such unbearable conditions and still have the hope to live. Engle, the writer makes sure to get her point across in this book.

Schneider Family Award 2008

2008-06-30T18:59:00.000-07:00

Kami and the Yaks - This story is about Kami a young deaf Sherpa boy. Kami's family has just realized that their yaks are missing, so Kami decides to go by himself to find the wandering herd. On his way he faces a fierce storm and is able to use his sense of observation to locate the missing yaks. The animals won't move and then he notices that the youngest yak White Spot has his leg stuck between two rocks. In the end Kami helps his father rescue the animals. The family is now able to transport their gear and guide the mountain climbers into the terrain.

Geisel Award 2008

2008-06-30T15:16:00.000-07:00

There Is a Bird on Your Head! - This book is about a pessimistic elephant named Gerald and his optimistic best friend Piggie. All the trouble begins when a bird lands on Gerald's head. He is not happy about the news. The bird is then joined by his mate and they build a nest. Then, they lay their eggs which later hatch. Gerald becomes hysterical until Piggie tells him to ask the birds to move. He does and they comply but to Piggie's amazement they move to her head.

This book has simple words and colored pictures. The message to this book is that it's important to speak up and let others know what you want.

Sibert Award 2008

2008-06-30T14:54:00.000-07:00

The Wall: Growing Up Behind The Iron Curtain-

This book is an autobiography, journal and a historical commentary about the life of Peter Sis, the author. He retells his life events while growing up in Czecholslovakia during the Cold War. This book would be a great addition to a high school library. The use of his amazing artwork and striking color provides a new outlook on how life was like during this period in history.

One thing that I liked about this book is the simpler explanation of the excerpts found at the bottom of each page. Younger readers would be able to understand the message behind this book through the simpler explanations.

Caldecott Award 2008

2008-06-30T14:25:00.000-07:00

Newberry Honor Book 2008

2008-06-30T00:30:00.000-07:00

The Wednesday Wars- This is the story of Holling, a seventh grader who feels singled out by Mrs. Baker his English teacher. Everyone in his class is either Catholic or Jewish except for Holling who is Presbyterian. The book is divided into sections that run from September all through the month of June. Each month tells more about Holling, his family, his classmates, his teacher and the world around him which also includes the war. Even though, Holling faces challenges and struggles throughout the book, he also get to experience wonderful things. He gets the opportunity to play with the New York Yankees and shows maturity during his Wednesday lessons with Mrs. Baker. In the end he learns a lot about himself and is able to see the future as something exciting rather than just taking over his dad's business.

Newberry Honor Book 2008

2008-06-29T23:50:00.000-07:00

Elijah of Buxton- This story is being narrated by Elijah Freeman, an 11 year old boy. He is described by his parents as "fra-gile". Elijah was the first child "born free" to former slaves in Buxton. Elijah knows about slavery but has had no first- hand experience of what it means to live in a life of slavery. The story unfolds when Elijah sets out to Detroit to find the corrupt preacher, who stole Mr. Leroy's money. Mr. Leroy wants to buy his children out of slavery. During his journey to America Elijah encounters a group of slaves. He is unable to save them all but is able to transport a baby girl to freedom. In the end Elijah has earned the distinction of being the youngest conductor on the Underground Railroad. He was able to stand strong with the confrontations of slavery.

This story is filled with humor, adventure, heartbreaking events and filled with promise. It allows the reader to experience a time and place in history of the 1850's.

Newberry Award 2008

2008-06-29T23:29:00.000-07:00

Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! : Voice from a Medieval Village- This is a non-fiction novel that re-tells the historical accounts, personal lives, work ,social custom , beliefs of twenty- two characters whose ages range from 10 to 15 years old. It takes place in a Medieval Village in England during 1255. The book is done in short plays- mostly monologues in verse and some rhyming style. I found this style somewhat boring to read. The appealing part to this book were the illustrations and design.

This book would be of great interest for those interested in learning about medieval history. It would be great to use in a 7th grade or upper level English or History class.

Printz Honor Book 2008

2008-06-29T19:13:00.000-07:00

Dreamquake: Book Two of the Dreamhunter Duet- This novel is a sequel to Dreamhunter. In this second part Laura Hame and her cousin Rose together discover that the govenment has built a railroad leading deep into the place. Through the use of Contentment, a dream that keeps people happy, Laura uncovers that the governement is using nightmares to punish the convicts. The villain in this novel who wants to take over Laura's country is a government official, who happens to be a friend of the family. Laura finds a way to reveal the governments secret to the public and in the end her family is able to live in peace.

Printz Honor Book 2008

2008-06-29T18:05:00.001-07:00

One Whole and Perfect Day - This story is about Lily Samson and her unique family. Her mother is a workaholic and her father left home way before she was born. Lily's brother recently moved out to attend college. Her grandmother talks to an imaginary friend and her grandfather is odd. Each chapter in the book tells about members or a member of the family. The drama to this story unfolds when her grandmother decides to have a party for her grandfather. Lily feels that this party is going to cause nothing but problems. However, to her amazement everyone unites without any problems.

This story is basically about family relationships and no matter the differences, families are connected by feelings of love.

Printz Award 2008

2008-06-29T17:44:00.000-07:00

The White Darkness- This novel is about a girl named Symone wates, who is a shy, hearing impaired teen. She has this affection over Lawrence "Titus" Oates a book character that goes along with her at every moment. Sym has had an obsession over Anatartica ever since her father died. Her Uncle Victor, who is really a business partner of her late father organizes a trip to the South Pole. During the expedition Sym uncovers the true intentions of uncle Victor. He is searching for the legendary Symmes's Hole, portal to the interior of a hollow Earth. Throughout their expedition Sym finds herself fighting for her life and is able to overcome her ordeals through her knowledge of the dangerous terrain of Antartica. In the end Sym confronts her uncle and Captain Oates helps by offering comfort and support.