a.
Audience for whom the book is written
b.
Audience to whom it will appeal (might
differ from a.)
c.
Particular strengths of the book
d.
Particular weaknesses of the book
e.
Any special considerations (artwork,
curriculum links, community values, beliefs espoused, etc)
f.
And, in the School Library Journal’s format:
Your verdict, supported
with details
No plot summaries and no spoilers please. Failure to follow that rule will result in revocation of your authoring rights, guaranteed!!
Williams-Garcia, R. (2010). One crazy summer. New York, NY: Scholastic Inc.
ReplyDeleteGr 4-7: At eleven, Delphine is used to being the ‘mom’ to her two younger sisters so even though the three are being sent from Brooklyn to Oakland to visit their mom, Delphine is ready to do the job. It’s a good thing, too, as her mom, Cecile’s maternal instinct is non-existent. The book follows Delphine and her two younger sisters as they spend a month with their mother, who didn’t even want them in the first place.
Williams-Garcia tells a poignant story through the eyes of an African-American eleven-year-old in 1968 during the rise of the Black Panthers. Her use of first person narration exposes the reader to Delphine’s fears and frustrations with her mother, her determination to keep her sisters safe, and her growing understanding of the civil rights movement.
Verdict: One Crazy Summer is a great read aloud or read alone as the writing is top-notch. Readers are brought to 1968 and can feel the struggle the girls go through as they are sent across the country alone to a mother they don’t know, in a turbulent time they are having trouble understanding.
The Passions of Dolssa, by Julie Berry
ReplyDeleteThis lush historical novels follows the story of Dolssa, a 13th century mystic branded a heretic by the church and hunted by the law. Dolssa flees to the small town of Provensa, where she is taken in by three sisters, who care for her and hide her. When Dolssa's healing powers are revealed, her life, and the lives of those that hid her, are even more in danger.
This novel was written for 9-12th grade, and it would appeal to 7th grade and up.
High points in the novel consist of Berry's use of historical detail, as well as her masterful storytelling style. Multiple viewpoints are used to create a rich novel with depth. Things that might turn readers off include the length of the novel and the Christian theme. Concerning features of this novel include references to sex, drinking, violence, and attempted rape. This book was awarded the Michael L. Printz Honor award for 2017.
Verdict: This novel would be an excellent addition to a high school media center. Although there are some features of the book that would turn off some readers (length, subject matter), there are many more positive features. The historical detail and accuracy, the critique on religion which controls the state, as well as the relationship between Dolssa and the sisters who care for her are all worthwhile parts of the novel, and necessary for a school media center.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
ReplyDeleteThis captivating novel follows the story of a young girl named Leisel and her experience living in Germany in 1939. Following the death of her younger brother and being left by her mother, she is adopted by a loving and caring husband and his nagging and mean-spirited wife. Throughout the book she comes to see the many sides of human nature, from friendship and compassion to brutal hatred and senseless violence and the impact on those around her.
This book was written as an adult novel in 2005 and made into a motion picture in 2013. However, The Book Thief has been incorporated into numerous secondary schools as a valuable resource for young adult historical fiction, both within media centers and as part of the language arts curriculum. Common Sense Media has rated this book for ages 13+ which is around a 7th grade level. A special consideration for this book is its link to WWII curriculum and the accurate representation of life in Nazi Germany during that period. For example, WWII becomes part of the MN State Social Studies Standards in 7th grade.
Strengths: This book has won countless awards including NY Times Bestseller. As historical fiction, it is a very unique portrayal of the accuracies of WWII including various ages of characters that readers can identify with or associate with others. This book could easily appeal to all genders and all readers over age 13+. This novel is beautifully written and the language used invites the reader to implore their imaginations to really “feel” everything that is happening. This story is narrated by Death or what many would call the Grim Reaper. Death is poetic in the way he describes details from sights, colors, sounds, and the reader is enveloped with their senses. Death often describes what he sees that leads up to his collecting of souls and then goes further to describe the souls to the reader.
Weaknesses: The poetic prose used in this novel may make it difficult for some young adult readers to fully grasp. Readers are basically encouraged to “feel” and explore their own emotions, which I think is a major attribute of the story, but not for everyone. Although there are some actionable parts to this story, this is not an “edge of you seat” type of book (although you may find yourself not wanted to put it down). Again, not a true weakness as this is not the type of story it is meant to be, but some young adult readers may find it difficult to stay engaged. Lastly, the paperback version of the book is 550 pages and in relatively small print, which is different than many other young adult books. But again, this story was originally written for adult readers.
Verdict: Yes, this book should be a part of every collection as it can truly appeal to such a vast age group of readers. I would suggest that this book be part of a WWII curriculum as it is historically accurate, while portraying much of the human and emotional elements that occur during times of war. I would not recommend this book to any struggling readers or those that might find difficulty with the poetic language found throughout the story. This is a book that will draw out the reader’s emotions and can be all out inspiring.