Bibliography:Runyon, B. (2006) Maybe. New York, NY: Random House.
Genre:Fiction
Reading Level/Interest Age:14-18yrs
Reader's Annotation:Brian and his parents move to a new school, and Brian struggles to fit in and hide his secret at the same time.
Author:Brent Runyon is the author of the memoir Burn Journals. This novel details his suicide attempt and lengthy recovery with considerable detail.
Plot Summary:The reason behind Brian's family's move to a new school is not clear at the beginning of the novel. What is evident is Brian's insecurities. He does not know how to act or who to befriend. We get the impression that something big has changed in Brian's life. As time goes on, he does make friends at school. He joins the Thespian group and tries out for the school play. He dates several girls and waits impatiently for a satisfying physical relationship. As the school year progresses, the secret Brian holds become harder to keep. When he meets Katya he is able to express his secret, and he finds acceptance and a renewed peace.
Critical Evaluation:This novel is unique in that it gives a teenage boy's perspective. Because this is written in first-person, we get to see Brian's thoughts and reactions to everything. He seems to be a typical high school guy. He is interested in girls and wants to have sex. He gets his driver's license and speeds dangerously down country roads. He parties and gets drunk with his friends. What sets Brian apart is his relationship with his parents and with his absent brother. As the novel goes on, we see him thinking about his brother more often. It's clear that he loves his brother and misses him. We sympathize with Brian. He does not have any other role-models; that job has been left vacant by his brother.
This is a fast-paced novel that pulls readers in quickly. I wanted to read more to know what would happen to Brian. This novel does have a lot of adult language, and Brian thinks about sex a lot. If readers do not like this kind of realism, they should not read this book. Because the narrator is a boy, I think this novel would appeal more to boys than girls.
Curriculum Ties: student choice book report
Book Talk Ideas:first person summary of the novel, introduce Brian
Challenge Issues:language, sex, underage drinking
Why was this text included in this project?I wanted to include Maybe in this blog because it has a first-person male narrator. It seems like a book that I would recommend to teenage boys (and it can be hard to find these).
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Down the Rabbit Hole (An Echo Falls Mystery)
Bibliography:Abrahams, P. (2006) Down the Rabbit Hole (An Echo Falls Mystery). New York, NY: Harper Collins.
Genre:Mystery
Reading Level/Interest Age:12-15yrs
Reader's Annotation:Ingrid finds herself in the middle of a mystery: who murdered Cracked-Up Katie, and what is the connection to the Prescott House?
Author:Peter Abrahams is the author of the Echo Falls Mystery series; there are currently three volumes in publication.
Plot Summary:Ingrid is an eighth-grade soccer player and actor. She loves to read Sherlock Holmes and soon finds herself in the middle of a real murder mystery. Ingrid's enthusiasm for solving the mystery grows with each clue she discovers. Meanwhile, she is cast as Alice in the Prescott Player's production of Alice in Wonderland. Soon her role as Alice and her role as crime solver start to intertwine. Ingrid takes some considerable risks to find out more information. She cuts class, lies to her parents, breaks into Cracked-Up Katie's house, steals her grandfather's car and drives without her license--just to name a few. Ingrid is overwhelmed with all of the information she uncovers, and she is frustrated by the conclusion that she is dangerously close to uncovering.
Critical Evaluation:Peter Abrahams succeeds in drawing the reader into this mystery. Even though the novel is for younger teens, older teenagers and adults will enjoy the characters and plot twists in this novel. I did not see the final plot solved until the very end. Even though she makes rash decisions, we like Ingrid. She is authentic, and she is interesting. I like how we see her mystery solving skills at work. She is a modern Nancy Drew. I also liked the setting of this novel. The town of Echo Falls (and its inhabitants) were refreshing and not cliche. Each of the characters is unique and some of quite funny. I recommend this novel to young mystery readers.
Curriculum Ties:Student choice book report, compare with Alice in Wonderland
Book Talk Ideas:read a chapter of the novel, present a few of the clues to see if anyone can guess the mystery
Challenge Issues:murder mystery
Why was this text included in this project?I included this novel to add a mystery to my project.
Genre:Mystery
Reading Level/Interest Age:12-15yrs
Reader's Annotation:Ingrid finds herself in the middle of a mystery: who murdered Cracked-Up Katie, and what is the connection to the Prescott House?
Author:Peter Abrahams is the author of the Echo Falls Mystery series; there are currently three volumes in publication.
Plot Summary:Ingrid is an eighth-grade soccer player and actor. She loves to read Sherlock Holmes and soon finds herself in the middle of a real murder mystery. Ingrid's enthusiasm for solving the mystery grows with each clue she discovers. Meanwhile, she is cast as Alice in the Prescott Player's production of Alice in Wonderland. Soon her role as Alice and her role as crime solver start to intertwine. Ingrid takes some considerable risks to find out more information. She cuts class, lies to her parents, breaks into Cracked-Up Katie's house, steals her grandfather's car and drives without her license--just to name a few. Ingrid is overwhelmed with all of the information she uncovers, and she is frustrated by the conclusion that she is dangerously close to uncovering.
Critical Evaluation:Peter Abrahams succeeds in drawing the reader into this mystery. Even though the novel is for younger teens, older teenagers and adults will enjoy the characters and plot twists in this novel. I did not see the final plot solved until the very end. Even though she makes rash decisions, we like Ingrid. She is authentic, and she is interesting. I like how we see her mystery solving skills at work. She is a modern Nancy Drew. I also liked the setting of this novel. The town of Echo Falls (and its inhabitants) were refreshing and not cliche. Each of the characters is unique and some of quite funny. I recommend this novel to young mystery readers.
Curriculum Ties:Student choice book report, compare with Alice in Wonderland
Book Talk Ideas:read a chapter of the novel, present a few of the clues to see if anyone can guess the mystery
Challenge Issues:murder mystery
Why was this text included in this project?I included this novel to add a mystery to my project.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Bibliography:Haddon, M. (2004) The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. New York, NY: Vintage.
Genre:Fiction--Adult Crossover
Reading Level/Interest Age:16+yrs
Reader's Annotation:Christopher uncovers a murder and sets out to uncover the criminal.
Author:Mark Haddon
Plot Summary:Christopher Boone is autistic; he has trouble communicating his feelings. He does not understand why adults sometimes act as they do. One day Christopher makes a disturbing discovery: his neighbor's dog lay murdered in the yard. Christopher is wrongly accused of killing the dog, and so (because he cannot communicate effectively) he decides to solve the crime on his own. He works with a teacher at school with whom he is most communicative.
Critical Evaluation:This book was interesting because it was from Christopher's perspective. It was unique to see the world from his perspective and to have to make connections to our "more correct" interpretation of events. Reading this book will provide an import look inside the mind of someone who cannot explain himself. Although I agree it is important to see from his point of view (and I appreciate this is Haddon's intention), I still do not particuarly like this novel. It felt forced at times--almost too cliche. Perhaps I had this reaction because I am not familiar with autism as the author, but I think it might also have to do with average writing.
Curriculum Ties:Follow-up novel to Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes, or a unit on mental disabilities
Book Talk Ideas:general introduction to autism, read a chapter of the novel and talk about how the reader can tell their is something different about
Challenge Issues:mental disability, language
Why was this text included in this project?This book was added to increase the variety of texts included in this blog.
Genre:Fiction--Adult Crossover
Reading Level/Interest Age:16+yrs
Reader's Annotation:Christopher uncovers a murder and sets out to uncover the criminal.
Author:Mark Haddon
Plot Summary:Christopher Boone is autistic; he has trouble communicating his feelings. He does not understand why adults sometimes act as they do. One day Christopher makes a disturbing discovery: his neighbor's dog lay murdered in the yard. Christopher is wrongly accused of killing the dog, and so (because he cannot communicate effectively) he decides to solve the crime on his own. He works with a teacher at school with whom he is most communicative.
Critical Evaluation:This book was interesting because it was from Christopher's perspective. It was unique to see the world from his perspective and to have to make connections to our "more correct" interpretation of events. Reading this book will provide an import look inside the mind of someone who cannot explain himself. Although I agree it is important to see from his point of view (and I appreciate this is Haddon's intention), I still do not particuarly like this novel. It felt forced at times--almost too cliche. Perhaps I had this reaction because I am not familiar with autism as the author, but I think it might also have to do with average writing.
Curriculum Ties:Follow-up novel to Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes, or a unit on mental disabilities
Book Talk Ideas:general introduction to autism, read a chapter of the novel and talk about how the reader can tell their is something different about
Challenge Issues:mental disability, language
Why was this text included in this project?This book was added to increase the variety of texts included in this blog.
Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging: Confessions of Georgia Nicholson
Bibliography:Rennison, L. (2001). Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging: Confessions of Georgia Nicholson. New York, NY: Harper.
Genre:Chick-lit
Reading Level/Interest Age:13-16 yrs
Reader's Annotation:Georgia's diary describes her crazy day-to-day life.
Author:Louise Rennison has now published ten volumes in this popular series with Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging as the first, published in 2001.
Plot Summary:The first in a series of ten "confessions," this novel introduces us to Georgia Nicholson, a spirited and sarcastic fourteen year British girl by way of her diary. Georgia records her observations with incredible wit. She has a huge, uncontrollable cat (Angus), a crush on a boy she calls the Sex God, a tendency to get in trouble for sneaking out at night, and lots of questions about how to handle all the tribulations of being a teenager.
Critical Evaluation:This novel is written as a diary. It is the Bridget Jone's Diary for teenagers. Because it contains lots of British slang, the American version of the novel contains an amusing Index (composed by Georgia) to help with understanding. Georgia's experience as a teenager is one that anyone can relate to. She dislikes her teachers, her school uniforms, her parents, and her looks. She goes to great lengths to try to fit in (including kissing lessons!), and she learns a lot from her foibles. This is a very fast-paced and funny novel that brings readers right into Georgia's world. Luckily there are several sequels; readers will want to get more of Georgia.
Curriculum Ties:Student choice book report
Book Talk Ideas:Read one diary entry by Georgia (one chapter of the book)
Challenge Issues:language, sex, ribaldry
Why was this text included in this project?This book is very popular and was recommended by a librarian; also included in my genre project.
Genre:Chick-lit
Reading Level/Interest Age:13-16 yrs
Reader's Annotation:Georgia's diary describes her crazy day-to-day life.
Author:Louise Rennison has now published ten volumes in this popular series with Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging as the first, published in 2001.
Plot Summary:The first in a series of ten "confessions," this novel introduces us to Georgia Nicholson, a spirited and sarcastic fourteen year British girl by way of her diary. Georgia records her observations with incredible wit. She has a huge, uncontrollable cat (Angus), a crush on a boy she calls the Sex God, a tendency to get in trouble for sneaking out at night, and lots of questions about how to handle all the tribulations of being a teenager.
Critical Evaluation:This novel is written as a diary. It is the Bridget Jone's Diary for teenagers. Because it contains lots of British slang, the American version of the novel contains an amusing Index (composed by Georgia) to help with understanding. Georgia's experience as a teenager is one that anyone can relate to. She dislikes her teachers, her school uniforms, her parents, and her looks. She goes to great lengths to try to fit in (including kissing lessons!), and she learns a lot from her foibles. This is a very fast-paced and funny novel that brings readers right into Georgia's world. Luckily there are several sequels; readers will want to get more of Georgia.
Curriculum Ties:Student choice book report
Book Talk Ideas:Read one diary entry by Georgia (one chapter of the book)
Challenge Issues:language, sex, ribaldry
Why was this text included in this project?This book is very popular and was recommended by a librarian; also included in my genre project.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Annie, Between the States
Bibliography:Elliott, L.M. (2004) Annie, Between the States. New York, NY: Harper Collins.
Genre:Historical fiction
Reading Level/Interest Age:14+yrs
Reader's Annotation:As Civil War battles rage near her Northern Virginia home, Annie Sinclair considers whether she could give up her home for the love a Yankee officer.
Author:L.M. Elliott
Plot Summary:When the Civil War begins, Annie Sinclair is fifteen years old. She and her family live near the border to the Union, in Northern Virginia. Annie's beloved older brother, Laurence rides with General Stuart's Cavalry. When Annie meets General Stuart, she is charmed by the dashing leader, and he even composes some lines of poetry just for her. As battles rage near their home, Annie and her mother nurse fallen soldiers, including a Union officer named Thomas Walker. Despite their differences, Annie charmed by Walker. The years of the Civil War pass, and Annie becomes more and more involved. She takes greater risks to protect her family and her home. These bring her back in contact with Thomas Walker, whose affection for Annie has not faded with time. After Annie's mother dies, her younger brother Jamie joins the notorious Mosby's Rangers, despite her warnings and Laurence's threats. After and especially dangerous attempt to rescue some kidnapped servants, Annie is arrested and jailed in Washington, DC. Thomas struggles against loyalty to the Union as he fights for Annie's freedom and her heart.
Critical Evaluation:Annie, Between the States is an excellent story—woven with considerable attention to historical accuracy. Elliott's descriptions of Civil War battles serve as miniature history lessons, and they quickly and effectively provide the details necessary to understand the setting. The character of Annie matures during the course of the novel. The author does a good job at showing Annie's emotional growth. Early in the story, Annie is afraid and unsure of how to behave; she relies on her mother greatly. After several years of war, however, Annie has learned how to make her own decisions, and to make them with her heart. Annie's sacrifice of her beloved horse, Angel, shows us this.
This is not a fast-paced novel, and it does contain a lot of detail about life in the 1860s. Readers unfamiliar with the Civil War will learn a lot about it—from Annie's Confederate/Pro-Abolition perspective. Annie, Between the States reminds one of Gone With the Wind, but this story is more appropriate to a younger audience, especially young women Annie's age.
Curriculum Ties:American History, the Civil War, Abolition
Book Talk Ideas: first person narrative by Annie from early on in the story after she has seen first-hand real battle and met Thomas Walker; Short background on the Civil War.
Challenge Issues:violence, racism, slavery, secession
Why was this text included in this project?This novel was added to include some historical fiction to this project.
Genre:Historical fiction
Reading Level/Interest Age:14+yrs
Reader's Annotation:As Civil War battles rage near her Northern Virginia home, Annie Sinclair considers whether she could give up her home for the love a Yankee officer.
Author:L.M. Elliott
Plot Summary:When the Civil War begins, Annie Sinclair is fifteen years old. She and her family live near the border to the Union, in Northern Virginia. Annie's beloved older brother, Laurence rides with General Stuart's Cavalry. When Annie meets General Stuart, she is charmed by the dashing leader, and he even composes some lines of poetry just for her. As battles rage near their home, Annie and her mother nurse fallen soldiers, including a Union officer named Thomas Walker. Despite their differences, Annie charmed by Walker. The years of the Civil War pass, and Annie becomes more and more involved. She takes greater risks to protect her family and her home. These bring her back in contact with Thomas Walker, whose affection for Annie has not faded with time. After Annie's mother dies, her younger brother Jamie joins the notorious Mosby's Rangers, despite her warnings and Laurence's threats. After and especially dangerous attempt to rescue some kidnapped servants, Annie is arrested and jailed in Washington, DC. Thomas struggles against loyalty to the Union as he fights for Annie's freedom and her heart.
Critical Evaluation:Annie, Between the States is an excellent story—woven with considerable attention to historical accuracy. Elliott's descriptions of Civil War battles serve as miniature history lessons, and they quickly and effectively provide the details necessary to understand the setting. The character of Annie matures during the course of the novel. The author does a good job at showing Annie's emotional growth. Early in the story, Annie is afraid and unsure of how to behave; she relies on her mother greatly. After several years of war, however, Annie has learned how to make her own decisions, and to make them with her heart. Annie's sacrifice of her beloved horse, Angel, shows us this.
This is not a fast-paced novel, and it does contain a lot of detail about life in the 1860s. Readers unfamiliar with the Civil War will learn a lot about it—from Annie's Confederate/Pro-Abolition perspective. Annie, Between the States reminds one of Gone With the Wind, but this story is more appropriate to a younger audience, especially young women Annie's age.
Curriculum Ties:American History, the Civil War, Abolition
Book Talk Ideas: first person narrative by Annie from early on in the story after she has seen first-hand real battle and met Thomas Walker; Short background on the Civil War.
Challenge Issues:violence, racism, slavery, secession
Why was this text included in this project?This novel was added to include some historical fiction to this project.
My Antonia
Bibliography:Cather, W. (2004 ) My Antonia. New York, NY:Simon & Schuster.
Genre:fiction
Reading Level/Interest Age:15+yrs
Reader's Annotation:In the vast Nebraskan farmland of the early 1900s, Jim and Antonia forge a friendship that lasts for the rest of their lives.
Author:Willa Cather's famous novels include My Antonia (1918) and O, Pioneers! (1913). Cather based many of her stories in Nebraska, her home for many years. Cather won the Pulitzer in 1922.
Plot Summary:Jim Burden moves to his grandparents Nebraskan farm after his parents die. Life is lonely until a Bohemian family moves to a nearby farm. Jim meets and befriends Antonia Shimerda. During that first summer, Jim teaches Antonia to speak English, and the two have many adventures together. Jim and Antonia remain friends for the rest of their lives, amidst tragedies and joys. As an adult, Jim looks back on his memories of Antonia.
Critical Evaluation:This novel fills in an interesting gap in American literature; Cather is one of the only writers to preserve the lives of the early Nebraskan settlers. My Antonia is not a fast-paced adventure story. Readers wanting that sort of tale will be quickly bored with this novel. However, it is worth some attention, especially by readers interested in the immigrant experience in the Mid-West during the early 1900s. Antonia's family, the Shimerdas, have habits and customs very different from Jim and his family. Cather clearly represents the "old world" and the "new world" coexisting. What is interesting is how the two young people (Jim and Antonia)are able to cross the boundaries of their different cultures and embrace friendship. Another element of this novel that I particularly enjoyed was Cather's imagery. She describes the rolling plains of Nebraska beautifully; it is apparent that she loved the landscapes.
Curriculum Ties:Immigration in the American Mid-West (1900s)
Book Talk Ideas:overview of the immigrant experience in the northeast (the more familiar Ellis Island story), compared with the Shimerda experience in Nebraska
Challenge Issues:racism, suicide
Why was this text included in this project?Students will come across Willa Cather's short stories in many literature anthologies, and (if they like them) they might consider one of her novels for a book report.
Genre:fiction
Reading Level/Interest Age:15+yrs
Reader's Annotation:In the vast Nebraskan farmland of the early 1900s, Jim and Antonia forge a friendship that lasts for the rest of their lives.
Author:Willa Cather's famous novels include My Antonia (1918) and O, Pioneers! (1913). Cather based many of her stories in Nebraska, her home for many years. Cather won the Pulitzer in 1922.
Plot Summary:Jim Burden moves to his grandparents Nebraskan farm after his parents die. Life is lonely until a Bohemian family moves to a nearby farm. Jim meets and befriends Antonia Shimerda. During that first summer, Jim teaches Antonia to speak English, and the two have many adventures together. Jim and Antonia remain friends for the rest of their lives, amidst tragedies and joys. As an adult, Jim looks back on his memories of Antonia.
Critical Evaluation:This novel fills in an interesting gap in American literature; Cather is one of the only writers to preserve the lives of the early Nebraskan settlers. My Antonia is not a fast-paced adventure story. Readers wanting that sort of tale will be quickly bored with this novel. However, it is worth some attention, especially by readers interested in the immigrant experience in the Mid-West during the early 1900s. Antonia's family, the Shimerdas, have habits and customs very different from Jim and his family. Cather clearly represents the "old world" and the "new world" coexisting. What is interesting is how the two young people (Jim and Antonia)are able to cross the boundaries of their different cultures and embrace friendship. Another element of this novel that I particularly enjoyed was Cather's imagery. She describes the rolling plains of Nebraska beautifully; it is apparent that she loved the landscapes.
Curriculum Ties:Immigration in the American Mid-West (1900s)
Book Talk Ideas:overview of the immigrant experience in the northeast (the more familiar Ellis Island story), compared with the Shimerda experience in Nebraska
Challenge Issues:racism, suicide
Why was this text included in this project?Students will come across Willa Cather's short stories in many literature anthologies, and (if they like them) they might consider one of her novels for a book report.
My Sister's Keeper (movie)
Bibliography:Furst, S. (Producer) & Cassavetes, N. (Director) My Sister's Keeper[Motion picture]. United States: New Line Cinema.
Genre:movie
Reading Level/Interest Age:14+yrs
Reader's Annotation:Anna Fitzgerald is fighting for the right to control her own body, even if it means that her sister might die and her family might break apart.
Author:
Plot Summary:Anna Fitzgerald is eleven years old. Her older sister Kate is dying from leukemia. Their parents intentionally had Anna so that she could donate blood, tissues, and organs to Kate. When the story opens, Anna (with the help of her older brother Jesse) is suing her parents for medical emancipation: the right to her own body. Mrs. Fitzgerald is furious with Anna and brings the case to court. Anna’s father takes a passive stand and watches what happens. During all of this, the main plot, the film moves among narrators and often switches to flashbacks of Anna’s memories. We see through those flashbacks some of the happier moments of the Fitzgerald family (before Kate got sick), but we also see some of the harder memories (Kate’s hospital visits, heartbreaks, suicide attempts). These memories show that there is much more at stake for Anna than donating a kidney to her sister. As the trial moves ahead and Kate’s condition diminishes, we see the bond among the Fitzgeralds become stronger than it ever has been before.
Critical Evaluation:The movie opened up with a brief introduction to each character, which provided his or her point of view. While this could be successful in a novel, it seemed odd in the movie. It was hard to tell whose story was the primary one. The short segments did not provide an overall picture of what was going on. After that, the story mostly follows Anna and Kate. The flashbacks effectively represented the relationship between the two of them. The character of the older brother Jesse is oddly minimal. I would have liked to know him better; he seemed interesting. Predictably, the relationship between Anna and Kate’s parents became strained with Kate’s illness. Mrs. Fitzgerald takes it especially hard, and Cameron Diaz and the directors did a good job showing her own mental regression. Overall, this film was average. It was obvious that there is more to the story (from the novel), especially for some of the characters that were given short shrift in the movie. I think that teenage girls would like this film; it is emotional and tear-wrenching. That audience (age 14-17?) could identify with both Kate and Anna, and that is where the main appeal of the story fits in. We understand and sympathize with Anna, even though she has such a difficult decision to make.
Curriculum Ties:medical ethics, or following the reading of the novel
Book Talk Ideas:N/A
Challenge Issues:teen sexuality, language, medical trauma, inter-family fighting
Why was this text included in this project?This film was included because of the popularity of the novel and the movie.
Genre:movie
Reading Level/Interest Age:14+yrs
Reader's Annotation:Anna Fitzgerald is fighting for the right to control her own body, even if it means that her sister might die and her family might break apart.
Author:
Plot Summary:Anna Fitzgerald is eleven years old. Her older sister Kate is dying from leukemia. Their parents intentionally had Anna so that she could donate blood, tissues, and organs to Kate. When the story opens, Anna (with the help of her older brother Jesse) is suing her parents for medical emancipation: the right to her own body. Mrs. Fitzgerald is furious with Anna and brings the case to court. Anna’s father takes a passive stand and watches what happens. During all of this, the main plot, the film moves among narrators and often switches to flashbacks of Anna’s memories. We see through those flashbacks some of the happier moments of the Fitzgerald family (before Kate got sick), but we also see some of the harder memories (Kate’s hospital visits, heartbreaks, suicide attempts). These memories show that there is much more at stake for Anna than donating a kidney to her sister. As the trial moves ahead and Kate’s condition diminishes, we see the bond among the Fitzgeralds become stronger than it ever has been before.
Critical Evaluation:The movie opened up with a brief introduction to each character, which provided his or her point of view. While this could be successful in a novel, it seemed odd in the movie. It was hard to tell whose story was the primary one. The short segments did not provide an overall picture of what was going on. After that, the story mostly follows Anna and Kate. The flashbacks effectively represented the relationship between the two of them. The character of the older brother Jesse is oddly minimal. I would have liked to know him better; he seemed interesting. Predictably, the relationship between Anna and Kate’s parents became strained with Kate’s illness. Mrs. Fitzgerald takes it especially hard, and Cameron Diaz and the directors did a good job showing her own mental regression. Overall, this film was average. It was obvious that there is more to the story (from the novel), especially for some of the characters that were given short shrift in the movie. I think that teenage girls would like this film; it is emotional and tear-wrenching. That audience (age 14-17?) could identify with both Kate and Anna, and that is where the main appeal of the story fits in. We understand and sympathize with Anna, even though she has such a difficult decision to make.
Curriculum Ties:medical ethics, or following the reading of the novel
Book Talk Ideas:N/A
Challenge Issues:teen sexuality, language, medical trauma, inter-family fighting
Why was this text included in this project?This film was included because of the popularity of the novel and the movie.
The Princess Diaries (movie)
Bibliography: Chase, D.M. (Producer) & Marshall, G. (Director). (2001) The Princess Diaries[Motion picture]. United States: Buena Vista.
Genre:movie/chick lit
Reading Level/Interest Age:12+yrs
Reader's Annotation:Mia Theopolis has the chance to be a real princess, but does she want to change her life forever?
Author:
Plot Summary:Mia Theopolis is a typical unpopular and dorky fifteen-year old girl until the day her grandmother shows up with a very important announcement. Mia is a princess of Genovia! The choice to accept the post is left up to Mia, but she has to keep the news a secret. In preparation, Mia attends “princess lessons” with her grandmother (Queen of Genovia) and her staff, including her body-guard chauffeur, Joe, who befriends Mia. Under her grandmother’s tutelage, Mia learns how to dress, walk, wave, dance and look like a princess. When word leaks out that Mia is a princess, the cook kids at school rush to befriend her, including her crush Josh. Mia’s best friend Lilly is crushed by Mia’s new popularity, and Lilly’s brother Michael hides his own crush on Mia. As the Genovian Ball draws near, Mia ponders the consequences of both sides of her decision. Either way she picks, this decisions will change her life forever.
Critical Evaluation:The appeal of this film is evident from the very first scene where Mia wakes up, gets dressed for school, and then slides down a fire station pole to breakfast. Here is a typical teenager, living in a very cool house in San Francisco. We immediately like Mia because she is regular; her hair isn’t perfect; she rides a scooter to school. We sympathize with her dislike of the cool crowd at her school, and we want her to get even with them. Of course, the proposal that Mia is offered is a dream come true. To be a real princess! Meg Cabot has a firm grasp on what it is like to be a fifteen-year old girl, and the directors have us groan and laugh with Mia as she blunders and breezes through the tribulations of princes lessons. The movie moves along quickly, and we are swept up in Mia’s life. As the relationship between her and her grandmother strengthens, we begin to see Mia as a real princess. Lilly is the grounded character; she keeps the story from being too much like a fairytale. She encourages Mia to accept the post because it would allow Mia to enact change in the world.
Curriculum Ties:following the reading of the novel
Book Talk Ideas:N/A
Challenge Issues:bullying, high school snobbery
Why was this text included in this project?This movie was included in the project because its great popularity (as a movie and as a book).
Genre:movie/chick lit
Reading Level/Interest Age:12+yrs
Reader's Annotation:Mia Theopolis has the chance to be a real princess, but does she want to change her life forever?
Author:
Plot Summary:Mia Theopolis is a typical unpopular and dorky fifteen-year old girl until the day her grandmother shows up with a very important announcement. Mia is a princess of Genovia! The choice to accept the post is left up to Mia, but she has to keep the news a secret. In preparation, Mia attends “princess lessons” with her grandmother (Queen of Genovia) and her staff, including her body-guard chauffeur, Joe, who befriends Mia. Under her grandmother’s tutelage, Mia learns how to dress, walk, wave, dance and look like a princess. When word leaks out that Mia is a princess, the cook kids at school rush to befriend her, including her crush Josh. Mia’s best friend Lilly is crushed by Mia’s new popularity, and Lilly’s brother Michael hides his own crush on Mia. As the Genovian Ball draws near, Mia ponders the consequences of both sides of her decision. Either way she picks, this decisions will change her life forever.
Critical Evaluation:The appeal of this film is evident from the very first scene where Mia wakes up, gets dressed for school, and then slides down a fire station pole to breakfast. Here is a typical teenager, living in a very cool house in San Francisco. We immediately like Mia because she is regular; her hair isn’t perfect; she rides a scooter to school. We sympathize with her dislike of the cool crowd at her school, and we want her to get even with them. Of course, the proposal that Mia is offered is a dream come true. To be a real princess! Meg Cabot has a firm grasp on what it is like to be a fifteen-year old girl, and the directors have us groan and laugh with Mia as she blunders and breezes through the tribulations of princes lessons. The movie moves along quickly, and we are swept up in Mia’s life. As the relationship between her and her grandmother strengthens, we begin to see Mia as a real princess. Lilly is the grounded character; she keeps the story from being too much like a fairytale. She encourages Mia to accept the post because it would allow Mia to enact change in the world.
Curriculum Ties:following the reading of the novel
Book Talk Ideas:N/A
Challenge Issues:bullying, high school snobbery
Why was this text included in this project?This movie was included in the project because its great popularity (as a movie and as a book).
Monday, November 30, 2009
To Kill a Mockingbird
Bibliography:Lee, H. (1960). To Kill A Mockingbird. New York, NY: Harper.
Genre:Literary Fiction/Adult Crossover
Reading Level/Interest Age:15+ yrs
Reader's Annotation:Scout, Jem and Dill grow up amidst tough times in the American South prior to the Civil Rights movement.
Author:Harper Lee's only novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, won the Pulitzer Prize in 1961.
Plot Summary:Scout Finch remembers her childhood growing up in Macomb, AL in the early 1930s. Scout and her brother play games to antagonize their reclusive neighbor, "Boo" Radley. When their father becomes involved in a high-profile court case, Scout and Jem observe their town exhibit racism and ignorance. Scout and Jem learn a lot from this trial, especially by speaking with their father and seeing events through his perspective.
Critical Evaluation:The power of To Kill a Mockingbird relies on its narrator, Scout. A child, Scout interprets what she sees happening all around her. She does not understand it all, but sometimes Jem does understand. The scene with Atticus “guarding” Tom Robinson at the courthouse shows this clearly. Scout runs to her father when she sees him; she does not realize the danger she is in. Jem does see that the men around them have weapons. He recognizes them and knows why they are there. Scout spies Mr. Cunningham in the crowd and asks him a question. Her innocence pulls the men out of their rage. It is only because she is a child that she can save her father (and Tom).
Despite the racial prejudice gripping the town, Scout remains oblivious. Her life—and therefore the story—revolves around her relationships with Jem, Dill, Atticus and the other characters. We only see what she sees, and so we have a glimpse of very ugly hatred through an innocent.
Curriculum Ties:Civil Rights Movement (1960s American History)
Book Talk Ideas:Read sections of the novel, perhaps an early scene with Scout describing the terrors of the Radley house (to peak interest in Boo Radley)
Challenge Issues:Blatant racism, including racist language ("nigger") and suggested violence
Why was this text included in this project?This novel was included because it is regularly required reading for high school students.
Genre:Literary Fiction/Adult Crossover
Reading Level/Interest Age:15+ yrs
Reader's Annotation:Scout, Jem and Dill grow up amidst tough times in the American South prior to the Civil Rights movement.
Author:Harper Lee's only novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, won the Pulitzer Prize in 1961.
Plot Summary:Scout Finch remembers her childhood growing up in Macomb, AL in the early 1930s. Scout and her brother play games to antagonize their reclusive neighbor, "Boo" Radley. When their father becomes involved in a high-profile court case, Scout and Jem observe their town exhibit racism and ignorance. Scout and Jem learn a lot from this trial, especially by speaking with their father and seeing events through his perspective.
Critical Evaluation:The power of To Kill a Mockingbird relies on its narrator, Scout. A child, Scout interprets what she sees happening all around her. She does not understand it all, but sometimes Jem does understand. The scene with Atticus “guarding” Tom Robinson at the courthouse shows this clearly. Scout runs to her father when she sees him; she does not realize the danger she is in. Jem does see that the men around them have weapons. He recognizes them and knows why they are there. Scout spies Mr. Cunningham in the crowd and asks him a question. Her innocence pulls the men out of their rage. It is only because she is a child that she can save her father (and Tom).
Despite the racial prejudice gripping the town, Scout remains oblivious. Her life—and therefore the story—revolves around her relationships with Jem, Dill, Atticus and the other characters. We only see what she sees, and so we have a glimpse of very ugly hatred through an innocent.
Curriculum Ties:Civil Rights Movement (1960s American History)
Book Talk Ideas:Read sections of the novel, perhaps an early scene with Scout describing the terrors of the Radley house (to peak interest in Boo Radley)
Challenge Issues:Blatant racism, including racist language ("nigger") and suggested violence
Why was this text included in this project?This novel was included because it is regularly required reading for high school students.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Big Mouth & Ugly Girl
Bibliography: Oates, J.C. (2003) Big Mouth & Ugly Girl. New York, NY: Harper.
Genre: Teen
Reading Level/Interest Age: 15 yrs+
Reader's Annotation: Ursula doesn't care what anyone thinks about her, and she surprises even herself when she boldly stands up for a classmate wrongly accused.
Author:Joyce Carol Oates was a well-established adult short story and fiction writer before she forayed into YA writing.
Plot Summary: Ursula Riggs is a tough, aggressive member of the high school basketball team. Her alter-ego, Ugly Girl, allows her to put on a tough exterior persona. One day at school, a classmate, Matt Donaghy or Big Mouth, gets into a lot of trouble because of an inappropriate joke he told. Ursula is the only one who believes in Matt's innocence, and she reaches out to help him. Over the course of several weeks while Matt's family is confronted with hate mail and threats, Ursula and Matt become friends.
Critical Evaluation:This novel follows the perspectives of two character, Ursula and Matt (?). Although Ursula is the first person narrator, each chapter switches between her point of view and Matt’s third person points of view. This works well with the story because a major part of the plot has to deal with perspective. This switching also allows us to see the relationship between Ursula and Matt from each side. Ursula makes a convincing narrator, and it is fun to see her relate to her alter-ego “Ugly Girl.” Ugly Girl’s outlook is unique, and her strong personality comes through clearly in both action and feelings.
The setting for this novel is very much so a teenager’s world. Ursula and Matt both understand how to react to things that happen at school because it is their environment. For example, Ursula confronts the twins for fabricating the story about Matt. She also takes charge of the situation when Matt’s dog Pumpkin is taken. The story gets much more serious when that comfortable teenage world is divided by adults. When the religious conservatism of Reverend leads him to act out, both Ursula and Matt are challenged by the consequences. This plot twist teaches the characters an important adult life lesson.
Curriculum Ties:Contemporary civil rights example
Book Talk Ideas:Introduce the characters and basics of the plot (why Matt was arrested)
Challenge Issues:Religious fanaticism, bullying in school
Why was this text included in this project?I wanted to include one of Joyce Carol Oates's YA novels because she is so well-known for adult fiction.
Genre: Teen
Reading Level/Interest Age: 15 yrs+
Reader's Annotation: Ursula doesn't care what anyone thinks about her, and she surprises even herself when she boldly stands up for a classmate wrongly accused.
Author:Joyce Carol Oates was a well-established adult short story and fiction writer before she forayed into YA writing.
Plot Summary: Ursula Riggs is a tough, aggressive member of the high school basketball team. Her alter-ego, Ugly Girl, allows her to put on a tough exterior persona. One day at school, a classmate, Matt Donaghy or Big Mouth, gets into a lot of trouble because of an inappropriate joke he told. Ursula is the only one who believes in Matt's innocence, and she reaches out to help him. Over the course of several weeks while Matt's family is confronted with hate mail and threats, Ursula and Matt become friends.
Critical Evaluation:This novel follows the perspectives of two character, Ursula and Matt (?). Although Ursula is the first person narrator, each chapter switches between her point of view and Matt’s third person points of view. This works well with the story because a major part of the plot has to deal with perspective. This switching also allows us to see the relationship between Ursula and Matt from each side. Ursula makes a convincing narrator, and it is fun to see her relate to her alter-ego “Ugly Girl.” Ugly Girl’s outlook is unique, and her strong personality comes through clearly in both action and feelings.
The setting for this novel is very much so a teenager’s world. Ursula and Matt both understand how to react to things that happen at school because it is their environment. For example, Ursula confronts the twins for fabricating the story about Matt. She also takes charge of the situation when Matt’s dog Pumpkin is taken. The story gets much more serious when that comfortable teenage world is divided by adults. When the religious conservatism of Reverend leads him to act out, both Ursula and Matt are challenged by the consequences. This plot twist teaches the characters an important adult life lesson.
Curriculum Ties:Contemporary civil rights example
Book Talk Ideas:Introduce the characters and basics of the plot (why Matt was arrested)
Challenge Issues:Religious fanaticism, bullying in school
Why was this text included in this project?I wanted to include one of Joyce Carol Oates's YA novels because she is so well-known for adult fiction.
Crank
Bibliography:Hopkins, E. (2004) Crank. New York, NY: McElderry.
Genre:YA Problem novel
Reading Level/Interest Age:15yrs+
Reader's Annotation: Kristina's life changes forever when she visits her father and tries crank for the first time.
Author:Ellen Hopkins' bibliography is extensive. She had published widely in non-fiction for young adults before her most recent and most popular series of novels in verse were published; Crank is the first in that series.
Plot Summary:During one long-awaited trip to visit her dad, Kristina is exposed to a kind of life very different from what she has at her mom's house. She meets and falls for a boy named Adam; he introduces her to methamphetamines ("crank"). Kristina is enthralled with the feelings of being high, and she takes risks to get more crank. She adopts a new identity and new lifestyle as "Bree." Soon she is using crank regularly, and, upon return home, Bree moves in new circles at school. Her new friends bring her even further down a dangerous path of drinking, drugs, sex, and run-ins with the law. She eventually turns away from her family and almost reaches "the point of no return." An unexpected development brings her back from the clutches of addiction.
Critical Evaluation:This powerful novel is written entirely in free-verse poetry. This format practically forces the reader to feel the emotional pain that Kristina/Bree describes. The narrative is woven throughout the poems; it is easy to keep up with the plot even as Kristina changes between her two identities. The character of Kristina/Bree is a believable teenager. She makes decisions based on emotions. She does not think things through. She relies on her peer group more than her family. Like every teenager, she makes mistakes, and—in her case—some of them have permanent and dangerous consequences. Interestingly, Bree does not run away from the consequences.
Like the drug Bree battles with, the major force behind this novel is its addictive prose. I was pulled into this story from the beginning, and each page made me want to read more. I was surprised by how the poems carried the fast-paced plot; even the structure of some of the poems reinforced the plot element, mood or emotion depicted in the plot. Even after more than 500 pages, I wanted to read more. Clearly, a sequel to this novel was an obvious choice.
Most of the commentary about this novel mentions Hopkins's own daughter, upon whose life Crank is based. It is obvious that the author has personal experience with drug addiction. However, her narrative allows the reader to experience this for the first time, with all its excitement and terror. Hopkins does not "preach" or warn her audience of the dangers of meth addiction. She lets her story of Bree speak for itself and does so with lovely and powerful poetry. Few could read this book without understanding her message.
Curriculum Ties: Drug abuse/drug addiction, creative writing (free verse poetry), art class (visual representation of Bree's feelings, emotions)
Book Talk Ideas:Read a few of the poems, probably from different stages of the story.
Challenge Issues: Drug Addiction, degenerate parents, violence, teen sexuality, teen pregnancy
Why was this text included in this project?This book is different from all the others in this project. I was recommended it by a local librarian as well as several friends.
Genre:YA Problem novel
Reading Level/Interest Age:15yrs+
Reader's Annotation: Kristina's life changes forever when she visits her father and tries crank for the first time.
Author:Ellen Hopkins' bibliography is extensive. She had published widely in non-fiction for young adults before her most recent and most popular series of novels in verse were published; Crank is the first in that series.
Plot Summary:During one long-awaited trip to visit her dad, Kristina is exposed to a kind of life very different from what she has at her mom's house. She meets and falls for a boy named Adam; he introduces her to methamphetamines ("crank"). Kristina is enthralled with the feelings of being high, and she takes risks to get more crank. She adopts a new identity and new lifestyle as "Bree." Soon she is using crank regularly, and, upon return home, Bree moves in new circles at school. Her new friends bring her even further down a dangerous path of drinking, drugs, sex, and run-ins with the law. She eventually turns away from her family and almost reaches "the point of no return." An unexpected development brings her back from the clutches of addiction.
Critical Evaluation:This powerful novel is written entirely in free-verse poetry. This format practically forces the reader to feel the emotional pain that Kristina/Bree describes. The narrative is woven throughout the poems; it is easy to keep up with the plot even as Kristina changes between her two identities. The character of Kristina/Bree is a believable teenager. She makes decisions based on emotions. She does not think things through. She relies on her peer group more than her family. Like every teenager, she makes mistakes, and—in her case—some of them have permanent and dangerous consequences. Interestingly, Bree does not run away from the consequences.
Like the drug Bree battles with, the major force behind this novel is its addictive prose. I was pulled into this story from the beginning, and each page made me want to read more. I was surprised by how the poems carried the fast-paced plot; even the structure of some of the poems reinforced the plot element, mood or emotion depicted in the plot. Even after more than 500 pages, I wanted to read more. Clearly, a sequel to this novel was an obvious choice.
Most of the commentary about this novel mentions Hopkins's own daughter, upon whose life Crank is based. It is obvious that the author has personal experience with drug addiction. However, her narrative allows the reader to experience this for the first time, with all its excitement and terror. Hopkins does not "preach" or warn her audience of the dangers of meth addiction. She lets her story of Bree speak for itself and does so with lovely and powerful poetry. Few could read this book without understanding her message.
Curriculum Ties: Drug abuse/drug addiction, creative writing (free verse poetry), art class (visual representation of Bree's feelings, emotions)
Book Talk Ideas:Read a few of the poems, probably from different stages of the story.
Challenge Issues: Drug Addiction, degenerate parents, violence, teen sexuality, teen pregnancy
Why was this text included in this project?This book is different from all the others in this project. I was recommended it by a local librarian as well as several friends.
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