LSSL 5385 YA Literature

Alexander, K. (2014).  The crossover .  New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Josh and Jordan are twin brothers who are basketball stars at their school and have no problem showing off their skills at school or at home.  Of course, this is probably because their dad used to be a professional basketball player back in the day.  Growing up and being surrounded by supporting parents, the boys think they have everything figured out – at least until Jordan starts dating.  With the new addition to team, Josh doesn’t know how he feels about Miss Sweet Tea as he struggles to come to terms that Jordan’s attentions are being driven elsewhere.  And though they have their usual sibling ups and downs, it isn’t until tragedy strikes that the boys realize that family will always come together and strive together to move on. Recommended for secondary readers, this coming of age novel is meant for anyone, whether they are an athlete or not. ...

Chapter 11 – Realistic Fiction I believe that realistic fiction holds answers and information about taboo subjects/topics, which makes them perfect for young readers who want to find out more about the world around them.  Young people are curious and want to know why and/or how things work, and the only way for them to find out the why and how is by reading.  A young girl who is having to deal with her menstrual cycle for the first time might be embarrassed to ask a relative for help in how to be prepared for certain situations (such as being invited to a swimming pool party).  A young boy who is going through puberty may be embarrassed to ask his crush out on a date to the dance and so he attends solo.  Because some of these topics are considered to be hush-hush, young readers keep asking themselves the same question – am I normal? In the realistic fiction books being published today, young readers will realize that they’re not the only ones experiencing these ...