Maggot Moon

Gardner, S. (2013). Maggot moon. Boston, MA: Candlewick Press.

Media Type: Audiobook

Narrated by Robert Madge

Length: 3h 38m

Release Date: Feb. 12, 2013

Award: Printz Honor Book 2014

Summary:

This award winning book is told in first- person voice by the protagonist Standish Tredwell. Standish lives in a grim world where disappearances are the norm. He is also very unique in that he has one blue and one brown eye. He also cannot read or write which has made him the target of bullies from his school. His parents were taken away and since has been living with his Gramps on Zone 7. Then one day he meets a Hector, a young boy about his age who moved next door. Soon they discover a secret tunnel that can take them to the Mother Land. When Hector and his parents are taken away Standish goes and tries to find them and get them out of there. Standish is determined to make amends to Hector by pulling off a stunt that will humiliate the government and reveal a massive scam the government is perpetrating. He knows that he will probably be killed, but he does it anyway and ends up getting shot.

Response:

This book is set in a dystopian world. It bears resemblance to Nazi Germany in nature, with an overarching and dictatorial Motherland. Suppression of the individual and rule by fear is the order of the day. Standish Treadwell is the first person voice of this novel. There are quite a few very short chapters, and the writing style is very straight and to the point.

Other books by the author

Teaching Tools

Author's Website

http://www.sallygardner.net/

Author's Blog

http://sallygardner.blogspot.co.uk/

Lesson Plan from Candlewick Press

http://www.candlewick.com/book_files/0763665533.bdg.1.pdf

Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood

Satrapi, M. (2003). Persepolis: the story of a childhood. NY: Pantheon.

Media Type: Hardcover book
This graphic novel contains 153 pages.

Summary:
This books retells the struggles of Marjane Satrapi.  She tells her life of how it was growing up in Tehran during the Islamic Revolution in 1979.  Even though this story is told in the form of a graphic novel it depicts the dramatic events in the author’s life. At a young age she gets sent to Vienna and ends up in a boarding house. Her situation does not improve that much because she can't get along with the nuns. In a lapse of a few years Marjane moves from place to place trying to find herself. At one point she even becomes homeless. Eventually she moves back home to be with her family. After many challenges she once again decides to leave Iran and move back to Europe. Her tribulations growing up were difficult, but in the end they shaped her into the person she is today.

Response:

This graphic novel was written in a powerful voice. The reader can easily imagine her childhood and early life. The author's unique illustrations make the Iran of her youth come to life. Many difficult and painful issues are dealt with in this book, including torture and death. It is so moving and deeply touching to read what she went through as a child while living in war.

Other books by the author

              

Teaching Tools

Lesson Plan from ReadWriteThink

http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-plans/gaining-background-graphic-novel-1063.html

Lesson Plan from Get Graphic

http://www.getgraphic.org/GG_Kits/Persepolis/Persepolis%20Lesson%20Plans.pdf

Interview with author

http://www.powells.com/post/interviews/marjane-satrapi-returns

It's Perfectly Normal

Harris, R.  (2014). It’s perfectly normal. Boston, MA: Candlewick Press.

Media Type: Hardcover book

This book contains 98 pages with color illustrations.

Summary:

This book consists of explanations of how young adolescent teenagers deal with the traditional aspects of mental and physical changes.  These changes are endured throughout their lives.  It also explains how getting to know more of what sexuality is in the human life can have positive effects on their upbringings.  This is an informational book that is full of the different stages people go through.  Some of the chapters in this book include: puberty, safe internet use, decisions, homosexual relationships, the body, and how families and babies can stay healthy. It also includes dialogue along the running side between a bird and bee trying to clear out misconceptions or definitions of words to make readers connect with what the author is trying to convey. 

Response:

This book can be a great teaching tool for many subjects such as puberty, sexual orientation or even as tool for parents to teach children about their changing bodies. Schools can also use this book as a guide for various subjects discussed about puberty and sexuality.

Other books by the author

      

Teaching Tools

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

Lesson Plan fom Candlewick Press
http://www.candlewick.com/book_files/0763626104.mis.1.pdf

Interview with Robie Harris
https://www.teachingbooks.net/content/Harris_AdditionalMaterial.pdf

The Fault in Our Stars

Green, J. (2012). The fault in our stars. NY: Dutton Books.

Media Type: Hardcover book

This book contains 318 pages, including the acknowledgments.

Summary:

Hazel  is a teenager with stage IV thyroid cancer. Her mother convinces her to join a Support Group. There is where she meets Augustus. They start liking each other and soon develop a very close relationship spending a lot of time together talking about everything. Hazel shares with him her favorite book An Imperial Affliction. Together they begin to obsesses about the ending of the book. Somehow they manage to contact the author and he invites Hazel to come to Amsterdam to talk about the ending of the book. Augustus surprises Hazel by telling her that he will be using his "wish" to take her to meet Peter Van Houten in Amsterdam. After many obstacles they manage to take the trip. However, when it's time to meet the author he turns out to be a grumpy old drunk. They end up leaving and Hazel is very upset. The assistant feels bad and takes them both to explore the city. They even get to visit Ann Frank's house where they finally kiss. Later Augustus tells Hazel that his cancer is back. Soon after his health begins to deteriorate and he doesn't have a lot of time left. Hazel stays with him through it all. When he died it was Hazel who gave the eulogy. She is filled with grief until she finds out that Augustus has written a letter and he sent it to Peter Van Houten. The novel ends with her reading the letter and being happy with the choices she has made.

Response:

This novel deals with the fear of loosing loved ones and the fact that one day, we will all die. We all have to deal with the fact that we are going to die one day and with our obsession of leaving our mark on this planet when we go, how will we be remembered? This novel is also a cruel reminder of just how devastating cancer is and that it affect many young people as well.

Connection to textbook:

Chapter 10- Realistic fiction for children is modern times. It could be defined as a story where real kids with real problems solve them in a realistic manner in a real world setting. Characters are engaging and believable and the setting is true to life. Problems faced by the characters are honestly portrayed.

Other books by the author

       

Teaching Tools

Author's Website

http://www.johngreenbooks.com/

Video Book Trailer

http://www.penguin.com/static/packages/us/yreaders/books4boys/mult_faultstars.php

Discussion Questions for LitLovers

http://www.litlovers.com/reading-guides/15-young-adult-fiction/8711-fault-in-our-stars-green?start=3

Roller Girl

Jamieson, V. (2015). Roller girl. New York:  Dial Books.

Media Type: Paperback book

This book contains 240 pages.

Award: Great Graphic Novels for Teens 2016

Summary:

This a graphic novel about growing up and facing challenges. Astrid faced many changes during the summer before entering middle school. When Astrid becomes fascinated with roller derby, she thinks that her best friend Nicole will want to go to roller derby camp with her. Instead their friendship ends when Nicole tells Astrid she doesn't want to go to derby camp because she wants to go to dance camp instead. Astrid goes on her own to derby camp and she learns just how strong she is. She undergoes many changes while finding herself, including dying her hair blue. The ending is positive although Astrid and Nicole's no longer have a close relationship, and they seem to have moved on.

Response:

This graphic novel is an unexpected treasure. It helps young readers to see that their confusing emotions are normal and that even when things don't turn out the way we expect, that doesn't always mean its a bad thing. I think that this would be a great book to teach pre-teens about the weird transition phase they are in. I think that it would be especially helpful to students who are having friendship struggles. It would be great for a class discussion about friendship arguments and how to be a good friend.

Connection to textbook:

Chapter 13- Graphic novels can be fun to read while at the same time offer a wealth of information for a wide range of readers. Graphic novels can help readers make a smooth transition from picture books to chapter books.

Other books by the author

Teaching Tools

Author's Website

http://www.victoriajamieson.com/

Author's Blog

http://victoriajamieson-illustration.blogspot.com/

Discussion Question from Unleashing Readers

http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=6150

Smile

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

Media Type: Paperback book

This book contains 214 pages.

Summary:

This is an autobiographical novel about Raina during her adolescence. It focuses mainly during her middle school and high school years. When she first found out she needed braces to correct an overbite, she didn’t want them. Then one night after a Girl Scout meeting, she falls and knocks her two front teeth out. Suddenly braces are the least of her problems! Over the next few years, her dentist tries every trick: he fuses her teeth to her bone; they don’t take. He pulls them and gives her fake teeth on a retainer. She gets headgear that thankfully she only has to wear at night. She gets braces and they attempt to shift her teeth and make new front teeth. Meanwhile, Raina is desperately trying to be normal and fit in at school, get a boy to notice her, and find friends who accept her for who she is.

Response:

I think many people can relate to feeling insecure in both appearance and relationships during the middle school years. This is an accurate, cute story of finding yourself through all the teenage drama. Throughout the book the illustrations help tell the story and add to the presentation of the book. This book brings up a lot of issues that our students face everyday including relationship troubles. I would focus on the writing trait ideas for this book to help students understand they are not alone.

Connection to textbook:
Chapter 13- Graphic novels can be fun to read while at the same time offer a wealth of information for a wide range of readers. Graphic novels can help readers make a transition from picture books to chapter books.

Other books by the author

    

Teaching Tools

Author's Website

http://goraina.com/

Author's Blog

http://goraina.livejournal.com/

Lesson Plan from Kruger's Literature Thoughts

http://kruger-literaturethoughts.blogspot.co.uk/2011/03/smile.html

The Island of Excess Love

Block, F. (2014) The island of excess love. NY: Christy Ottaviano Books, Henry Holt and Company.

Media Type: Audiobooks

Length: 4 hours 50 minutes

Narrated by Julia Whelan

Release Date: August 26, 2014

Summary:

This novel is a sequel to "Love in the Time of Global Warming." The story picks up with Penelope, her friends and brother making a life for themselves in the pink house on the beach. Although it seems the world has ended they have managed to survive. That is until a mysterious ship ends up on the shore of their beach and they begin to have strange visions. Hex had been reading "The Aeneid" by Virgil and believes that everything that is happening could be part of a prophecy. They board the ship in hopes of finding answers but instead they begin to turn on each other. Then a storm tears the ship apart separating the group. When Pen regains conscious she finds herself in a strange island with the corpse of Hex. Soon after, Hex appears still alive and tells he that he discovered her corpse too. They bury their doubles and begin searching for the others after Pen had a vision that they were alive. In the days to come they arrive to where the king lives and he lets Pen know that he has been waiting for his queen (her!). He restores her vision and asks her to marry him. Under what appears to be a trace Pen sleeps with the king and becomes pregnant. Soon after the king is killed by his harpies. The harpies attack Pen and her friends as they try to get away. On their way they find Hex and flee on a boat. They soon arrive at another island where they are taken to the Queen of the Shades. She turns out to be the king's dead sister. The dead king pleas for their freedom and they manage to escape. In the end Pen has a vision of her unborn child and hopes that Hex will forgive her and stay by her side.

Response:

This book had adventure, fantasy, mythology and romance. Not having read the first book I thought I would be completely lost and not understand the characters. However, Block's description of the characters and events pulled me in immediately. I found this book to be so well written that it could stand alone. I would recommend this novel to mature readers as it does have some graphic sexual scenes.

Connection to textbook:
Chapter 12- This book would fall under post apocalyptic science fiction category. The characters are trying to survive in this new world.

Other books by the author

Teaching Tools

Author's Website

http://www.francescaliablock.com/

Author's Blog

http://loveinthetimeofglobalwarming.blogspot.co.uk/

How They Croaked : The Awful Ends of the Awfully Famous

Bragg, G. (2011). How they croaked: The awful ends of the awfully famous. NY: Walker.              

Media Type: Hardcover book

This book contains 184 pages.

Awards: Quick Picks of 2012

Summary:

From royalty, scientist, leaders, writers, and even presidents are people who have different talents or skills and one day must meet their maker. Just like normal people die, famous and even historical people die. It is understandable how people like Christopher Columbus passed away from something that could have been cured with antibiotics. Bragg's organization of information takes the reader on a journey while explaining the events that led up to their death. Bragg's detailed explanation found at the end of the chapter aids the reader in understanding some of the procedures performed on the corpse.

Response:

Overall I really enjoyed reading this book. Each chapter describes how a famous person in history died. Also, at the end of each chapter there were fun facts relating to the person or how they died. These facts were really interesting and sometimes funny to read. When I started reading this book I assumed it would be gory and not interesting but it was actually not too gory and I had fun reading it. Plus I learned a lot about important figures in history that I did not know about.

Connection to Textbook:

Chapter 3- Nonfiction can be broken down into subgenres such as informational, biographical, narrative nonfiction and expository nonfiction. This book is a very unique collection of short biographies.

Other books by the author

Teaching Tools

Author's Website

http://georgiabragg.com/

Teaching Ideas from Literary Fusions

http://www.literaryfusions.com/2014/02/12/book-review-how-they-croaked-the-awful-ends-of-the-awfully-famous-by-georgia-bragg/

Interview with Georgia Bragg

http://www.npr.org/2011/03/12/134468072/the-famous-meet-gory-ends-in-how-they-croaked

Primates : The Fearless Science of Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Biruté Galdikas

Ottaviani, J. and Wicks, M. (2013). Primates : the fearless science of Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Biruté Galdikas. NY: FirstSecond.

Media Type: Hardcover book

This book contains 133 pages.

Award: Great Graphic Novels for Teens of 2014

Summary:

Primates: The Fearless Science of Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Biruté Galdikas gives an introduction to three outstanding women scientist who changed the way we look at primatology, conservation, and the very thin line between the human animal divide. Ottaviani does a great job of tying the narrative story through anthropologist Louis Leakey, who helped all three women get into their fields. The story is divided into five parts. The first three parts tell the story of how Jane, Dian, and Biruté got their start and what their research looked like. The fourth section brings women together, once again, after Dr. Leakey has passed away and shows the direction each women plans to take as they continue their life's work. Ottaviani finally brings each story to a close in the Prologue.

Response:

This informational book was written as a graphic novel. I found this style very interesting because many students are becoming more and more interested in this style of book. I think it'd great that readers can enjoy what they are reading and learn valuable information along the way.

Connection to textbook:
Chapter 13- This book is a nonfiction graphic novel. Graphic novels can be fun to read while at the same time offer a wealth of information for a wide range of readers.

Other books by the author

  

Teaching Tools

Author's Website

http://www.gt-labs.com/

Author's Blog

http://www.gt-labs.com/blog/

Reading Group Guide from First Second Books

https://www.teachingbooks.net/media/pdf/macmillan/PrimatesDG.pdf

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda

Angleberger, T. (2010). The strange case of Origami Yoda. NY: Amulet Books

Media Type: Paperback book
This book has 208 pages.

Summary: 
This novel is about a group of middle school boys and a finger puppet named Origami Yoda. The cool thing about Yoda is that he can predict the future and give really good advice. This makes Dwight, a once social outcast, very popular at school since he is the one who created Yoda. Tommy, Dwight's friend, has a very important question to ask Yoda, but first he must find out whether or not Yoda's powers are real. This novel is organized into a series of case files, each written by a different member of the sixth-grade class, to help Tommy decide Yoda's credibility and whether or not he should ask Yoda the question about Sara.

Response:
This book was a refreshing, quick read. I must admit that I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It's reminiscent of the Wimpy Kid books in that it has middle school aged dialogue and there are little hand-drawn pictures interspersed. In the Origami Yoda, however, the author leaves plenty of opportunity for life lessons and great discussion. One can easily see the benefit that comes from tolerating differences in each other, and learning to respect each other. Not to mention that it is just plain funny in places.

Connection to textbook:
Chapter 1- The main reason we share literature with children is for fun! In the process we also develop language acquisition. This book is wonderful to get reluctant readers excited about reading.

Other books by the author

          

Teaching Tools

Author's Website

http://origamiyoda.com/

Author's Blog

https://riddleburger.wordpress.com/

Lesson Plan from The Strange Case of Oragami Yoda

https://origamiyoda.wordpress.com/folding-instructions/

When You Reach Me

Stead, R. (2009).  When you reach me. New York: Wendy Lamb Books

Media Type: Audiobook
Narrated by Cynthia Holloway
Length: 4hrs. 19min
Released Date: July 14, 2009

Summary: 

In this novel you will meet sixth-graders Miranda, and her friend Sal.  They have a very close bond until one day for no apparent reason, so it seems Sal gets punched in the face and stomach by an unknown boy.  Sal shuts Miranda out of his life. Then the key to her apartment gets stolen and soon after she begins to find mysterious notes. As it turns out this novel deals with time travel and the notes where from Marcus, the boy who punched Sal. Marcus was trying to prevent Sal's tragic death. In the end Miranda is able to piece all the clues together and understand why everything happened. Although Marcus did die trying to save Sal he was able to live a full life and even spending it with Julia.

Response:

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was very well thought through and once I finished it, I thought back to the previous events in the story and it all connected. I was glad that I had already read "A Wrinkle in Time" because otherwise some things might of not made sense. It truly was an amazing book that I recommend to anybody that enjoys reading about time travel.

Connection to textbook:
Chapter 12- This book would fall under fantasy because it includes time travel.

Other books by the author

        

Teaching Tools

Author's Website

http://www.rebeccasteadbooks.com/

Author's Blog

http://rebeccastead.blogspot.com/

Lesson Plan from LitLovers

http://www.litlovers.com/reading-guides/15-young-adult-fiction/1136-when-you-reach-me-stead

Doll Bones

Black, H. (2013). Doll bones. New York: Margaret K. McElderry Books.                             

Media Type: Paperback Book

This books has 272 pages.

Summary: 

This novel is about three friends who have faced very serious problems at home. Zachary, Alice and Poppy enjoy playing with some figurines. Until one day Zachary's father destroys all of his figurines.  His father believes that he needs to stop wasting time with make believe and fantasy stories.  To make matters worse his friends Poppy and Alice always tend to tell and share their dreams with him.  The dreams of Poppy are of the Great Queen, who is a bone-china doll who curses anyone who displeases her.  These dreams have started again, but not wanting to disobey his parents he is torn.  Zachary decides to go on a quest with Alice and Poppy and find the truth behind the Great Queen and stop this once and for all.  Along the way they encounter many adventures. At the end of the novel the three friends decide to bury the doll, but promise to keep the story alive.

Reflection:

I felt the novel was a little creepy but not too scary for younger children. This is a wonderful coming of age story. The characters are on the edge of adolescence and things are changing. They have one last big adventure before growing up. From my point of view, it was a short but lovely story. The writing is simple, but without feeling like it is dumbed down for children. The story is short but doesn't feel rushed.

Connection to textbook:
Chapter 12- This book falls under the subgenre of fantasy because it includes ghost stories.

Other books by the author

   

Teaching Tools

Author's Website

http://blackholly.com/

Author's Blog

http://blackholly.livejournal.com/

Discussion Question from Unleashing Readers

http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=1969

ASK THE PASSENGERS

King, A.S. (2012). Ask the passengers. NY: Little Brown           

Media Type: Hardcover book

This book has 293 pages.

Summary:

This novel is about a teenager named Astrid. Like many girls, Astrid is not sure where she fits in. She doesn't fit into her dysfunctional home. Her self-absorbed mother is not someone who understands her. Her dad smokes too much pot, and her sister Ellis is favored by her mother. Astrid's mother and sister go out on bonding nights where the sister is allowed to drink, and Astrid is never invited . All Astrid knows is that she has feelings for her coworker Dee. She likes kissing her, but is not sure what to make of that. Does that make her gay?  She'd love to talk to someone about it, but there is no one in her small town to turn to, not even her best friend Kristina. Instead, Astrid turns to the teachings of the classic philosophers to learn and accept just who she really is. Astrid and her girlfriend come close to having sex, but do not because Astrid is not sure of what she wants. They even come up with a code word to signal when they are ready for the next step: abracadabra!  Astrid and her friend end up getting caught in a gay bar and that is when everything gets thrown out of proportion. In the end, Astrid accepts that she is gay and even introduces Dee as her girlfriend to her family.  Astrid also sends messages of love to passengers on the planes and they seem to actually reach them. This is a book about learning who you are, accepting who are, and finally, loving who you are. It's offers a valuable message for anyone, gay or straight.

Response:

Ask the Passengers was extremely touching. I honestly hadn't heard much about the book before reading, so I really didn't know what to expect going into it. I was really surprised by how touching and heart warming the book was though. This is the first of A.S. Kings books that I've read but was really glad I read this book though, I haven't read many books that I can think of dealing with the subject in this book, so it was something a little new to me. But the way it was written was beautiful, and you really can't help but to love this story.

Connection to the textbook:

Chapter 1- Books like this one can also serve as "windows" when reading for curiosity.

Chapter 3- Realistic fiction is the subgenre for this novel.

Chapter 4- YA literature mirrors concerns that adolescents face and draws upon a sense of how they develop.

Other books by the author

           

               Teaching Tools

Author's Website

http://www.as-king.com/

Author's Blog

http://www.as-king.info/

Interview with A.S. King

http://mundiemoms.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/blog-tour-ask-passengers-by-as-king.html