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!!
Thanhha L. (2011). Inside out & back again. New York, NY: Scholastic Inc
ReplyDeleteGr 4-7 Inside Out & Back Again is a raw look at life as seen through the eyes of a 10-year-old girl named Hà who watches as Saigon falls in 1975. Thanhha Lai moves the reader through one year of Hà’s life as she journeys from Saigon, to life on a boat, to a tent city in Florida, and, finally, to Hà’s new life in Alabama. Readers get an intimate look at a girl’s true thoughts and emotions as she learns to survive in America.
While not for everyone, Lai’s use of poetry to tell the story adds depth that traditional narration just cannot do. Readers feel the gut punch as Hà’s life is far from the happy life she left before the war really hit Saigon that only someone, like Lai who has lived through it, can write about.
Verdict: While most 9-14 year olds will relate to aspects of Hà’s life, it is written with a definite female point of view that may be hard for boys to understand. Also, some may be turned off by the use of poetry to tell the story that does not lend itself to be read aloud. Though the rich use of language and raw emotions shared will quickly grab the attention of the reluctant reader.
House Arrest by K.A. Holt
ReplyDeleteGr 6-10, interest level Gr 5 and up
This novel explores questions of ethics and morality through the story twelve year-old Timothy who lives with his mother and baby brother who has extensive health issues. After his father leaves, Timothy has to make difficult decisions to try to help his mother and brother and keep their family together. Although he may have good reason for his actions, they lead him to an arrest, a pshychiatrist, a probation officer, and a mandated year-long journal. The journal is the format in which the book unfolds.
Written in verse, the novel (journal) is beautifully effective with succinct well-chosen words, making this a great choice for reluctant or struggling readers. The narrator’s voice is direct and strong as he realizes his journal is read every week by his psychiatrist and probation officer. With line ends expertly placed, the novel reads flawlessly.
Without delving too heavily, House Arrest offers topics for later discussion, including ethics/morality, psychiatric help, probation, disability, poverty, and child protection services.
Verdict - This is a recommended addition for middle school and high school shelves for relevant issues, readability, and message of perseverance.
Room 214: A Year in Poems by Helen Frost
ReplyDeleteAges 8+
Each poem in this book is written from the perspective of a student in Mrs. Williams fifth grade classroom, as well as from the view of Mrs. Williams.
The reader learns about and comes to know each student through the voice of that student as they tell the matters that are prevalent in their world at the moment. As with any classroom, each student is different and comes from a unique background. Subjects of the poems vary from test scores to recess to physical abuse to homelessness and the reader comes to feel how each of these issues will affect the school day and the classroom.
With plenty of white space on the pages and a variety of perspectives, this book offers page turning interest for readers. Less observant readers, however, may not head the titles of each poem which tell the student speaking in each poem. Failure to notice the titles may lead to confusion in following the storylines of each student.
Verdict: I recommend this title for upper elementary, middle school, and beyond for it's keen ability to bring the reader into a whole classroom of perspective and promote empathy. It would also be a great addition for a professional library as a quick read for teachers, providing a reminder of the struggled life worries that their students may be facing.
This book sounds great! I'll check it out. THANKS
DeleteKesha's House by Helen Frost
ReplyDeleteAges 12 and up
Kesha's House is a novel about seven teens trying to deal with such difficult situations as being kicked out of home, homosexuality, unplanned pregnancy, underage drinking, and foster care. Although the situations are heavy, the voices of each teen, written in traditional poetic forms, are full of sincerity and yearning as they try to find the right pathways.
The poetic form is written expertly and reads flawlessly. Notes on the form are included in the back of the book and can be used to revisit each poem, looking more specifically at the form structure.
Verdict: This is a must have in a middle and high school library for its easy to read form and delicate and authentic handling of difficult situations.