Books 9-16
Alexie, S. (2007). The absolutely true diary of a part-time Indian. New York, NY: Little, Brown and Company.
Arnold Spirit, Jr. lives on the Spokane Indian Reservation in Wellipinit, Washington and believes that he is the bane of everyone’s existence, especially since he was born with a variety of medical problems. And though his medical problems have lessened over the years, he (as well as others in his tribe) still sees himself as being “the biggest retard in the world.” However, after having a conversation with Mr. P, he realizes that if he wants to be seen as a somebody, he has to get out of the reservation – which is why he enrolls in Reardan High School. And though he’s always been an outcast within his tribe (even more so now that he’s been deemed as a traitor to his people), his outcast status at Reardan begins to dwindle. It is during this time that Arnold realizes that his people and the people of Reardan are not so different from one another after all. So, if he wants to even the playing field between his race and the race of the white Americans, Arnold realizes that he has to sacrifice much of what he knows in order to make a difference in not only the lives of his people, but in the lives of those at Reardan.
This coming of age novel is perfect for secondary readers that are interested in realistic fiction as it deals with many topics that they themselves face on an almost constant and daily basis. Readers who are interested in a holds-nothing-back-tell-all narrator will not be disappointed with Arnold as he tells his story like it is – the bullying, the racism, the troubled home, the death of loved ones, fighting with your best friend, and realizing that you do have something to prove to not only others but yourself. And though some of these topics are seen as controversial, they actually add strength to this book. A purpose for their being controversial books is to add and/or reveal a sense of truth to the world around us, as well to guide those going through similar obstacles and show them that they are not alone.
Websites of Interest:
Book Talks/Trailers:
De La Cruz, M.
(2017). Alex & Eliza: A love story.
New York, NY: G.P. Putnam’s Sons.
Elizabeth
‘Eliza’ Schuyler had no idea the impact that one of her mother’s parties would
have on her future, especially since she was so used to her mother’s schemes. However, it is during this party that she
meets the esteemed Colonel Alexander Hamilton – and she is not impressed. After hearing his reason for attending the
party, she quickly makes it clear to him that she would rather not be in his
company any longer than she needs to be.
Unfortunately for her, Hamilton is smitten by her wit and beauty and the
love that she has for her country and spends the next two years thinking of
nothing but the quick-witted banter he and Eliza shared until they cross paths
again in Morristown, New Jersey. It is
during her stay there in Morristown that Eliza finally gets to know who the
Colonel is and can’t help but falling in love with him. And though Eliza’s familial circumstances
turn dire (which causes her to almost marry someone who is very uncouth),
Hamilton is able to prove himself to her family and express his love for
her. No matter their financial status,
Eliza knows that she will never want for anything because she has the love of
her Alex.
This novel is definitely meant for upper secondary level
readers who will be able to grasp the language used in Alex & Eliza. Lower
secondary level readers, such as those in middle school, might struggle with
the some of the language used and may not understand the era of the story. With this thought in mind, the novel is also
an excellent choice for readers who are avid history buffs and are interested
in reading more about the lives of historical figures. For example, many know who Hamilton is and
the impact it is that he had on our history (and future), but that might be all
that they know him as, which is one of our nation’s founding fathers. Many may also be interested in reading more
about Alex and Eliza with Melissa De La Cruz’s sequel, Love & War: An Alex and Eliza Story, which will be released
next year.
Websites of Interest:
Book Talks/Trailers:
Green, J. (2012). The fault in our stars. New York, NY: Penguin Group.
Hazel Lancaster’s life has never been the same ever since she was diagnosed with terminal cancer. And though her parents try to encourage her to live a semi-normal life, she knows that eventually her life will end and that she’s going to miss out on actually having one – at least until she met Augustus Waters, an osteosarcoma cancer survivor. Wanting to appease her parents, Hazel agrees to go to a support group for cancer kids. It isn’t until Augustus Waters expresses his fear of oblivion that Hazel Lancaster speaks up and says that it won’t matter because dying is inevitable. From that moment on, Augustus cannot help but think that there is something amazing about Hazel, and he intends to show her just how amazing she can be. And though Hazel realizes that she will only hurt Augustus once she dies, she cannot help but be drawn to him and the way how he views the world. Where it is Augustus who remains strong for both him and Hazel in the beginning, it is Hazel who becomes strong in the end to endure the pain and fear felt by both her and Augustus.
It appears that John Green was not afraid to get his hands dirty when it came to the writing of this YA novel. The fact that Green bares all with how Hazel has had to deal with her diagnosis and emotional turmoil she feels in knowing that she will eventually die, as well as not knowing what will become of her family and friends when she does, makes this a perfect read for secondary level readers - especially those who are able to understand the complexities of Hazel’s character. The Fault in Our Stars also touches on mother-daughter relationships and the fumbling experiences a young couple goes through as they experience love for the first time. Perhaps the only weakness that this YA novel has is that, like An Imperial Affliction, is that the author leaves the reader wanting to know what becomes of Hazel and her life after she reads Augustus’s letter.
Websites of Interest:
Book Talks/Trailers:
Hartman, R. (2012). Seraphina. New York, NY: Random House.
Seraphina tries her best to stay low and under the radar, especially since she’s a half-human half-dragon being that is living during a time where dragons are feared and hated amongst humans. In the beginning, Seraphina introduces how she has gotten to where she currently is today – motherless and apparently unwanted by her human biological father and his family. However, Seraphina is not one to become burdened by hurtful actions, and uses her love and gift of music as an outlet. Unfortunately, it is because of Seraphina’s infinity for music that she soon becomes on everyone’s radar, especially when she is chosen as Princess Glisselda’s music tutor. Seraphina soon realizes that she does not have the luxury of hiding her dragon-side anymore as she searches for the truth behind the murder of a prince within her kingdom, which tests her loyalties.
Seraphina would probably be best read by upper secondary level students, especially since this story deals with fantastical beings (dragons) and mythical realms. The language may be a bit hard to get through for middle grade readers and some may be intimidated by its length if they do not have a strong endurance for reading. Readers may also have a hard time connecting to Seraphina since the logic behind her actions is more due to the fact that she is part dragon, but many will come to respect her for the choices that she makes when it comes to saving those that she cares about.
Websites of Interest:
Book Talks/Trailers:
Kidd, C. (2013). Go: A
Kidd’s guide to graphic design. New
York, NY: Workman Publishing Company, Inc.
Chip Kidd
introduces the beginnings of what graphic design entails in this nonfiction
book, even explaining the reason behind the cover art done for his book. He walks the reader step by step, introducing
them to typography, color schemes, and graphic design strategies that can make
a work of art appealing and eye-catching or unnoticeable and an eye-soar. Kidd also takes common every day images (or
images that the reader may have been seen somewhere before previously) and
shows just how much graphic design has played a part in one’s life. Wanting to keep the topic of graphic design
interesting, he then challenges the reader to make various graphic designs of
themselves and their interests.
This book is actually perfect for secondary level students
who are somewhat familiar and aware of their surroundings, as well as
interested in illustrations and graphic design.
The fact that Kidd takes a complex topic and simplifies it with various
real-life examples and illustrations makes this a perfect introductory book for
those in the lower secondary level grades (middle school). However, should one want to use this book for
middle school grades, it is imperative that the user be aware of what their
current knowledge is about graphic design so as the learner is not overwhelmed
with learning these unfamiliar terms and visuals. By making each page visually appealing is
clearly a strategy that Kidd used to further express to the reader just how
awesome graphic design really is, as well as show them just exactly how graphic
design has become a part of their everyday life. Lastly, a definite strength that this book
has is that it encourages the reader to try graphic design by challenging them
to create visual representations of themselves.
Websites of Interest:
Book Talks/Trailers:
Ness, P. (2008). The knife of never letting go. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.
It seems like nothing good has happened to Todd Hewitt for a very long time – pretty much since he was born. His mother died shortly after his birth, he was raised by two men, Ben and Cillian, who took on the role of being his parental figures and still treat him like a child, and he lives in Prentisstown, a town that has a dark past and an even darker future. The only thing that Todd has going for him at the moment is that he’s about to turn thirteen, which is the age where boys become men after going through a rite of passage. However, Todd cannot help but be curious as to what his rite of passage will be, especially since everyone’s Noise (a method that allows everyone to hear everyone’s thoughts) only reveals mundane and chaotic thoughts that prevents him from knowing what it will be. Unfortunately, when Todd stumbles across a place outside of Prentisstown that blocks out the Noise, Ben and Cillian have no choice but to force him to set out on his own away from everything he has ever known. And though Todd has a tough time believing them and understanding what is happening, he quickly realizes that he and Viola (the girl who can block out the Noise) might be the only ones to keep the darkness of Prentisstown away from the rest of the world.
This science fiction novel is perfect for secondary level students who have a firm grasp of science fiction literature and what its stories entails. The fact that the protagonist character is a young male who is trying to figure out how the world works also makes this an exceptional coming of age novel. Furthermore, thanks to the story being said in first person point of view, the reader just delves that much more into the story, empathizing with Todd the moment he realizes that Cillian died trying to protect him and Ben sacrificed himself to give Todd and Viola a fighting chance. Readers will also be able to relate to Todd as he constantly faces one trial after another, where he is forced to question just what exactly is the right thing to do. Thankfully, Todd’s story doesn’t end here and continues with The Ask and the Answer and Monsters of Men.
Websites of Interest:
Quintero,
I. (2014). Gabi, a
girl in pieces. El Paso, TX: Cinco
Puntos Press.
At the start of her senior year of high school, Gabriela, or
Gabi as she is called by her friends, bares all about her life. After inferring to the reader how difficult
it apparently is to be living with a mother who has a Mexican heritage, she is
quick to move on to introducing her two best friends – Cindy and
Sebastian. Unfortunately, instead of the
three of them truly enjoying their last year of high school together, they have
to come to terms with the reality of the world and that they can’t remain
innocent and ignorant forever: Cindy getting pregnant from a rape, Sebastian
becoming homeless after he admits to his parents that he’s gay, and Gabi
finding her father’s body after he overdoses in the garage. However, in between all the lows that the
three experience, each ones finds strength in one another and Gabi learns that
there is not one perfect way to find love.
This YA novel is perfect for upper secondary level students who
are able to grasp the complexities of Gabi’s character and the drama associated
with high school life. The fact that
Gabi holds nothing back in how she perceives (and lives) her life makes her a
character that young adult females (especially if they are of Mexican descent)
can relate to and sympathize with, especially when Gabi shares her thoughts and
fears of having sex and relationships. A
strength that this book has is that its written in a diary format with free
verse poetry making an appearance throughout the diary, which allows the reader
to sympathize even more for (and with) Gabi.
Websites of Interest:
Book Talks/Trailers:
Rowell,
R. (2013). Eleanor
and Park. Farmington Hills, MI: Gale,
Cengage Learning.
High school students Eleanor and Park unfortunately don’t
have everything figured out and have a hard time accepting the fact that not
every love story has a happy beginning, middle, or an end. What started out as an unlikely friendship
soon became more as both teens got to know one another over the course of the
school year. And though Eleanor tries to
keep her horrid family life away from Park, she soon realizes that he is the
only thing in her life keeping her sane.
As for Park, he hardly was ever concerned about anyone or anything – at least
until he looked passed Eleanor’s weird fashion sense and really began to see Eleanor
for who she was. Throughout the story,
these two become one another’s anchor and pillar of strength as they both are
faced with the harshness of reality and realize that love sometimes has to take
a backseat.
This YA novel is a perfect read for secondary grade level
students, especially since they might appreciate the fact that Eleanor and Park is told from the perspectives
of both teens. Again, the story takes
place over the course of a school year and shows the gradual love that forms
between the two characters as they experience their own ups and downs in familial
life and school life. What might be
difficult for some of these young readers to face is coming to terms and accepting
Eleanor’s current lifestyle. Some
readers may be able to relate to what Eleanor is feeling (embarrassment, anger,
hatred, resolve), as well as empathize with her as she struggles to find her
place among her family and the world.
Websites of Interest:
Book Talks/Trailers:
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