Telgemeier, R. (2016). Ghosts. New York, NY: Graphix.
In Ghosts, Catrina and her family move to Bahia de la Luna, a foggy coastal town in Northern California. Catrina was not in favor of this move and leaving behind her friends and favorite fast food, but she knows the cool air there is best for her little sister Maya's health. Maya has cystic fibrosis which makes it difficult for her to breath. CF is degenerative and incurable. In contrast to Catrina's cautious and anxious disposition, Maya is spirited and exuberant, not letting her illness get in the way of having fun. As the girls begin to explore the town more, they come to learn that ghost inhabit it. Both girls react completely opposite upon learning this and Catrina has to come to turns with not only the ghosts in the town but the ultimate fate of her sister as well.
This graphic novel mixed supernatural elements with the real life issues of cystic fibrosis and morality to create a beautiful and heartfelt book. I enjoyed the realistic touches the author included about CF, like the compression vest and feeding tube.The relationship between the two sisters was very believable, ranging from sweet lovely moments to fits of anger. One of my favorite elements in this book was the author's incorporation of the celebration of Dia de los Muertos. The illustrations in those panels were so vibrant and colorful. Overall, I feel this book would make a great read for reluctant readers and, even though it touches on some heavy topics, it would be enjoyed by a wide range of young adults.
Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6f6wFWmAEU to see a trailer of this book.
Scholastic provided a teaching guide for this book at
https://www.scholastic.com/content/dam/teachers/lesson-plans/migrated-featured-files/ghosts_classroom_guide.pdf.
Block, F. L. (2010). How to (un)cage a girl. New York, NY: HarperTeen.
In this collection of poems, Block examines how women view themselves and celebrates the transformation into womanhood and self acceptance. This book is divided into three parts. The first part has nine poems and is titled "years at the asylum", referring to the feeling of your spirit being caged up during adolescents. She dedicates a poem to each year of her life from thirteen to nineteen. The second section is titled "in the lair of the toxic blonde" referring to her life in Los Angeles. In this section, Block examines how toxic Los Angeles can be and how the city has changed her. The last part is titles "love poems for girls" which honors different women in her life.
I enjoyed how Block was able to express how hard it can be for girls and women to feel confident and comfortable in our own skin. She describes her own messy journey to womanhood and I feel all women can see themselves in her poetry. I believe Block executed this book very well and each poem helps build on the next one. Block accomplished her purpose for writing this collection of poems, which is perfectly summed up on the book jacket. As she puts it, "It (this book) is a call to embrace the girl within, to heal her and set her free."
To learn more about Francesca Lia Block and see her other works, visit her website at http://www.francescaliablock.com
Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WTOhQM3f2Q to hear Block read excerpts from this book.
Rowell, R. (2016). Eleanor & Park. New York, NY: St. Martins Griffin.
Eleanor is miserable. She starting at a new school and lives in poverty with her mother, abusive stepfather and four siblings. Every day is a struggle until she meets Park on her school bus. While they don't hit it off at first, they slowly begin to become fascinated with each other. Park has a fairly average life and can't grasp why Eleanor is so secretive and private. Eleanor is self-conscious at all times around him, not only because of normal adolescent insecurities, but because her family lacks basic hygienic supplies and clean clothes. Slowly Eleanor lets down her walls and their love intensifies. Things come to a climax however when Eleanor finally sees how evil her stepfather really is and has to escape her household. Park helps Eleanor escape to her uncle's house a couple of states away. The two are left at a crossroads in their relationship but ultimately, they find their love is once in a lifetime.
This book, set in the mid-1980's, is told in dual narratives with Eleanor and Park switching every chapter. I enjoyed this literary device of switching points of view, as it gave the reader insights to both of the main characters. It also made the love story feel so much deeper and real. Reading the way Rowell describes every nuanced act between Eleanor and Park reminded me of how sweet and innocent first love can be. While the love story is compelling, the abuse Eleanor and her family face at home was really eye opening. Students and young adult readers can gain a new perspective and compassion for others deemed "odd". The sections with Eleanor's mother were heartbreaking, as she only lived in fear of upsetting her husband. This is an outstanding novel which will be enjoyed by all.
This book was the 2014 recipient of Best Fiction for Young Adults Top Ten and Printz Award Honor winner.
To learn more about the author Rainbow Rowell and see her other works, visit her website at http://www.rainbowrowell.com
For discussion questions on this book, visit https://static.macmillan.com/static/eleanorandpark/
Lewis, J. (2016). March: Book Three. Marietta, GA: Top Shelf.
In this third installment in the March series, the Civil Rights movement marches on. A church bombing in Birmingham kills 4 girls and the nation is reeling from it. Tensions are high in Alabama as the governor blatantly hates the idea desegregation and wants to keep the African American community oppressed. A change of leadership is needed and the only way this will happen is if the African American vote is counted. Many tactics are used to suppress their votes but John Lewis and his group of activist strategize ways to change the system. These brave activist risk it all for equality.
This stunning nonfiction graphic novel gave me chills the whole time I read it. This book was able to evoke a range of intense emotions which I found impressive. The oppression and ignorant hatred was sickening and the illustrations intensified it. Reading about the courage and bravery these civil rights activists demonstrated was awe inspiring and aroused a feeling of activism in myself. This book should be required reading in all schools.
March: Book Three received many accolades in 2017, some of which are the Printz Award, Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults and Great Graphic Novels for Teens Top Ten.
To hear Lewis, Aydin and Powell read excerpts from this book, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TP6Q0e4hok
For lessons and videos that complement this book, visit http://www.nea.org/tools/lessons/
Hoose, P. M. (2012). Moonbird: A year on the wind with the great survivor B95. New York, NY: Farrar Straus Giroux.
In this book we meet B95, a rufa red knot. Rufa red knot's are also known as Moonbirds because they are able to fly the distance from earth to the moon and back again in their lifetime. The moonbird on average only weighs 4 ounces but is strong and majestic. This fascinating little bird is in danger of extinction due to human interference of their migration pattern and habitats. The population of the rufa bird has decreased by 80 percent worldwide and this book follows a group of scientists and conservationists who track B95 to observe how they can best protect the species and help them survive.
This nonfiction book should stand as the example to all nonfiction writers of how to write a well researched and captivating book. Every fact and detail in this book was meticulous researched, with the citations to prove it. I was fascinated by the astounding photos of B95 within the book, which show how majestic this bird truly is. I also appreciated Hoose's profiles throughout of the conservationists and naturalists he meet throughout his research, as many of them are unsung heroes in their field of work. You do not have to be a nature lover to love this book.
This book won Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults in 2013.
To learn more about this book and the author, Phillip Hoose, visit his website at http://www.philliphoose.com/books/moonbird
For a teaching guide for this book, visit https://www.teachervision.com/nonfiction-literature/moonbird-year-wind-great-survivor-b95-teachers-guide
Heiligman, D. (2011). Charles and Emma: The Darwins leap of faith. New York, NY: Square Fish.
This nonfiction biography of Charles Darwin centers around how his personal life impacted his research and studies. Charles was a long time bachelor, for the 1800's at least, and determined he needed to decide if he was finally going to marry or not. He created a pros and cons list and while he had a long cons side, he ultimately decided to marry. He married his first cousin, Emma Wedgwood and had 10 children with her. They were complete opposites theologically but in her, he found a true and profound loving partner. While she disagreed with his evolutionary theories, as she was a devote Christian, she encouraged his worked and gave him her perspectives on his writings. Their love lasted until the very end and was a prime example for mutual respect and compassion.
I was fascinated to look into the lives of Charles and Emma Darwin, as Emma influence is rarely mentioned when discussing Charles' research. I truly appreciated how much mutual respect and admiration was within their relationship and how Charles truly saw Emma as an equal partner. I found the science and religion discussed in this book to be very understandable for the young adult audience and could provide an interesting dialogue between parents and children.
This book won Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults and the Printz Award in 2010.
Visit http://deborahheiligman.com/books/charles-and-emma to see book trailers, explore a teacher's guide and learn more about the research Deborah Heiligman did for this book.
Takano, I. (2016). Orange: The complete collection. Los Angeles, CA: Seven Seas Entertainment.
This Manga graphic novel centers around a group of average teenage friends. The normalcy in their lives is broken when one of the friends, Takamiya Naho, receives a letter from her future self, warning her to protect the new student in her class. While she first thinks this letter is a prank, everything predicted in the letter comes true and she realizes it must be real. She then tries to follow the advice in the letter, while didn't always turn out as she hoped. Her group of friends embraces this new student and, thanks to the letter, her biggest regret is avoided.
While this book contains some fantasy elements, mainly the letter from the future, the core of this book is about friendship and love. Some other topics touched on in this book are suicide and depression, which are issues that should be discussed more in young adult novels in my opinion. I loved how this booked demonstrated how deep love and friendship can change the trajectory of people's lives. The alternate timelines really drive this point home. This novel will definitely be in my future library.
This book Great Graphic Novels for Teens Top Ten in 2017.
To see more works by Ichigo Takano, visit https://us.macmillan.com/author/ichigotakano
If you like Manga-style books like Orange, you may also like Nana Manga Volume 1 and Beast Master Manga Volume 1
McCall, G. G. (2011). Under the Mesquite. New York, NY: Lee & Low Books.
Lupita is trying to balance being a teenage girl in America while staying true to her roots from her beloved home country, Mexico. She is the oldest of eight children and has lots of expectation and obligations at home. All this responsibility is compounded when her beloved mother and heart of her family, is diagnosed with cancer. Lupita needs to stay strong for her siblings and parents, but inside she is scared and despondent over the thought of losing her mother. Looking to the mesquite tree that grows in her mother's rose garden for strength, Lupita lets go of her fears and learns to live again.
This book is told in free verse and is based on Guadalupe McCall's experiences growing up. Having personally experienced much of what McCall describes, I found this book heart-wrenching and very real. McCall perfectly described the fear, anger, pain and sadness one goes through during such a trying time. My favorite excerpts from this book are when she describes the love her mother had for her and her family. When I read those parts, I could almost feel the loving embraces and tenderness she described. I immensely enjoyed this book and it's unconventional, short free verse format.
This book was a 2014 recipient of Outstanding Books for the College Bound and Lifelong Learners.
For an educator's guide for this book, visit https://teachinglatinamericathroughliterature.wordpress.com/may-2013-under-the-mesquite/
To learn more about the author Guadalupe Garcia McCall, visit her site at http://guadalupegarciamccall.com
De La Cruz, M. (2017). Alex and Eliza. New York, NY: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers.
This historical fiction novel is based on the love story of Alexander Hamilton, a major figure in the American Revolution and a Founding Father of the United States, and Elizabeth Schuyler, daughter of wealthy and politically influential parents. They first meet at the Schuyler's grand ball and while Alex was immediately smitten, Eliza was a bit more skeptical of the smooth talker. Two years later, they meet again by chance but this time they become inseparable. While there is never any doubt they share a profound love, political, financial and hierarchy factors stand in their way. Thankfully though, love conquers all.
As a lover of everything Hamilton, the Broadway musical, I was very eager to read this book. I appreciated how De La Cruz invented a narrative around these historical figures and created a beautiful and timeless love story. While all major points were based on history, the banter and thoughts of the characters were thought of by De La Cruz and I feel she did an excellent job of making it believable and of the time. While having background knowledge of this people made me interested in this book, I don't feel it is needed to enjoy it.
This book reached #1 on the New York Times Bestseller list and stayed on the list for many weeks between June 2017-September 2017.
Visit http://melissa-delacruz.com to learn more Melissa de la Cruz and her other works.
Hear Melissa de la Cruz talk about this book at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9hg1D5hwf8
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