Textbook Analysis Chart

Click on the link below to view the Textbook Analysis Chart completed for the LSSL 5385 over the textbook Making The Match by Dr. Teri Lesesne.

Textbook Analysis Chart

Reality Boy

King, A. (2013). Reality boy. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.  

Summary: When Gerald Faust was five, his family was in a reality TV show called Nanny Network. Gerald's anger escalated to the point of his defecating in inappropriate places (on the kitchen table, in shoes, at stores, and even spreading feces on walls) in order to get attention, thereby earning his nickname "The Crapper". The show continued for several seasons, when during the final episode Gerald punched the "fake" nanny in the nose, all broadcast on national TV. It was clear his oldest sister Tasha had been very abusive to both Gerald and their sister Lisi, but no adult would help. Tasha dropped out of college, and then lived at home in the basement with her boyfriend, continuing to abuse the entire family.  His father retreated into his work and alcohol.  Lisi withdrew by staying in her room reading and smoking pot, and then went to college in Scotland.  Gerald had no friends and hated his life, fully expecting to end up in jail or dead, and found his escape in imaginary days he called "Gerdays". His mother placed him in a special education class for being "retarded", and he eventually realized she was so consumed by Tasha that she could not love anyone else.  At the age of sixteen, Gerald met Hannah while they both worked in a concession stand, and soon found out her life as the daughter of a junkman and mentally ill mother was as bad as his. They fell in love, and "kidnapped" each other during a trip to Florida. They came home six days later after his father promised to move out with Gerald, and Hannah's family agreed to get help. Gerald finally resumes his education in regular classes and is looking forward to graduating and pursuing college with the hope of eventually marrying Hannah and having a normal life.

Commentary: Gerald is the first person narrator using current events during high school along with flashbacks to episodes of the reality TV show when he was a child.  He uses trances to remove himself from difficult circumstances through his extra "Gerdays" and talks Snow White and other Disney characters to help guide him, often transitioning between reality and fantasy as a coping mechanism.  From the outside, he is sometimes envied for his new car, big home in a gated community, nutritious meals, and fame.  But he actually has an extremely dysfunctional family controlled by his psychopathic sister and enabling mother, who is more concerned with keeping up appearances than loving her children. The plot is somewhat predictable, but leads to an uplifting conclusion of healing, acceptance and hope. The book is appropriate for middle school to high school. Even though there is some violence and sex, it is not graphically described, so the book could be enjoyed by younger adolescents.  It certainly presents the negative side of reality television with the understanding that it is not a true reflection of life at all.

Connections: Everybody Sees The Ants by A. S. King, I Crawl Through It by A. S. King, and Ask The Passengers by A. S. King

Winger

Smith, A. (2013). Winger. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.  

Summary: Ryan Dean West is a fourteen-year old at a boarding school who plays on the rugby team, and is nicknamed Winger for his wing position speed.  He is also academically gifted and has skipped two grades making him the youngest member of his junior class.  After stealing a teacher's cell phone, he is sent to the dorm for troublemakers and assigned to room with Chas Palmer, another rugby player who Ryan Dean initially despises.  Ryan Dean has a crush on his best friend, Annie, but she is two years older and thinks of him as just an adorable little boy. He then starts a secret relationship with Chas' girlfriend Megan, all the while trying to woo Annie, creating a love triangle. Ryan Dean's best friend is Joey, who has admitted to being gay. After a rugby game, Kevin, another player on the team, is stabbed by Mike who was seeking revenge on Joey for dating his brother.  Ryan Dean eventually tells Megan he can no longer see her, and arranges a date with Annie to convince her that she can love him.  They all attend a Halloween party, and Joey announces that Casey, one of the bullies in school, is gay.  The next day they cannot find Joey, and a search party is sent out whereby Joey is found in the woods beaten to death. Casey and his roommate Nick are found to be the murderers. In the end, Ryan Dean, Chas and Kevin are friends, and while Ryan Dean is still young, he realizes how much he has matured during the year and that love is what matters in life.

Commentary: Ryan Dean is the narrator of this fictional story using believable if somewhat crude juvenile dialog and humor, weaving current and past events together.  The book contains comic drawings, sketches and diagrams by Ryan Dean to help visualize the events in the story and his inner thoughts.  The plot was stereotypical of teenage boy's life up until the unexpected murder of his best friend, ending the book with a shock factor.  This book is written for the 9^th to 12^th grades, and boys in particular should like it for its realistic and humorous descriptions of boyhood sexual desires, the sports theme, and machoism. This book should not be recommended for younger than high school due to the profanity and violence. There is a good lesson about self-esteem and acceptance.

Connection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ux35quSH4lk

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda (#1)

Angleberger, T. (2012). The strange case of Origami Yoda. London: Amulet.  
Summary: Tommy, a sixth grader at McQuarrie Middle School, is curious if Origami Yoda is posses real powers due to the fact that he gives very wise advice but he is a paper finger puppet on not-so-wise, Dwight’s finger. Determined to get to the bottom of this dilemma, Tommy takes it into his own hands and interviews everyone who has received advice from Origami Yoda, what their experience entailed, and to create a case file of the evidence. Advice asked varies from what to do when water from the water fountain is sprayed on your pants to how to ask out a girl to the school dance. Tommy’s investigation is interrupted when Harvey, a boy that has always been mean to Dwight, imposes on their study. Throughout the study, Tommy gains a respect he previously didn’t have for Dwight and for Origami Yoda. The results end happily and all are friends until they have another adventure to embark on!

Commentary: The style of this book is immediately humorous due to the engaging drawings and comical commentary. The fact that the pages look crumpled and some of the text looks hand written makes this novel be more appear more realistic and plausible that a middle school boy actually wrote these case studies. This realistic fiction book definitely gives an insight into a middle school student’s world and the questions that arise or problems they are faced with. All of the characters are truly richly developed and well thought out for the setting and age that they are conveying. They do not act beyond their years but they do act appropriate for a sixth grade boy with a peaked curiosity. This book had me laughing out loud as I was flipping through the pages. I can’t wait to pick up the sequels to this novel. 

Connection: Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series by Jeff Kinney

Staying Fat For Sarah Byrnes

Crutcher, C. (1993). Staying fat for Sarah Byrnes. New York, N.Y.: Greenwillow Books.  Summary: Eric Calhoune and Sarah Byrnes have been best friends since middle school as the fat boy and ugly girl with burn scars on her face and hands. In eighth grade they create the Crispy Pork Rinds, an underground newspaper ridiculing the bullies in the school, including the principal. Eric joins the swim team as a freshman, and loses much of his excess weight, but continues to overeat so Sarah Byrnes will like him until she tells him to stop. In the last semester of their senior year, they enroll is a class taught by Ms. Lemry called Contemporary American Thought where the class debates issues such as religion, child abuse, racism and abortion. Jody, Eric's new girlfriend, discloses to the class that she was convinced to have an abortion the previous year by her then boyfriend Mark, who then attempts suicide.  Sarah Byrnes falls into a catatonic state during class one day, and ends up a mental ward.  Eric discovers she is actually just there for protection from her father who purposely burned her on a wood stove when she was three years old.  Ms. Lemry hides Sarah and then takes her to Reno in search for the mother, while the father, Virgil Byrnes, attacks and stabs Eric. Carver Middleton, a Vietnam Vet who dates Eric's mother, breaks into Virgil's house, and severely beats him in self-defense. While Carver spends a little time in jail and is on probation for his vigilante justice, Virgil Byrnes is convicted for a multitude of violent offenses and is sent to prison for 20 years or more. The Lemrys adopt Sarah the day before her 18^th birthday, so she can finally drop the "Byrnes" from her name, and they enjoy the summer together looking forward to a hopeful future without fear.

Commentary: The book is told by Eric during his Senior Year in High School, using flashbacks to earlier years establishing his friendship with Sarah Byrnes. The characters are fully developed as we understand the physical attributes and emotions of Eric, Sarah, their classmates, teachers and parents. Many controversial subjects are addressed, including bullying, family violence, abortion, and religion.  The book is appropriate for ages 12 and up, and leaves several wonderful messages of empathy for the disabled and disadvantaged, loyalty toward friends and love ones, and individual courage and self-esteem.

Connections: Chinese Handcuffs by Chris Crutcher, Stotan! by Chris Crutcher, and Whale Talk by Chris Crutcher

The Field Guide (The Spiderwick Chronicles #1)

Black, H., & DiTerlizzi, T. (2003). The field guide. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.  

Summary: When Jared Grace finds himself getting into fits and trouble, his mom decided to move him, his twin brother Simon, and older sister Mallory their great-aunt Lucinda’s old Victorian house. As soon as they get there, they realize the large eerie home has spooky things happening, not to mention, Aunt Lucinda is currently in a mental asylum. Once moved in, the kids start to hear noises that sound like a squirrel in the walls. As Jared investigates and finds a dumbwaiter that takes him to a hidden sealed-in library and locates a poem indicating that the house has special secrets and Jared finds a message that says “beware.” In the coming days, Mallory and Simon both wake up with bruises all over their body and the house in chaos. Immediately, their mom believes the damage has been caused by Jared and the fact that he might be going mad. Jared travels back to the library and locates a book called The Field Guide that describes faeries and creatures that lurk in the house. After studying the book, Jared and his siblings finally come across a creature called a boggart who tells them to beware and that there will be consequences if The Field Guide is not destroyed.

Commentary: In this first book of the Spiderwick Chronicles Series, Jared has found himself in a bit of a predicament. He has gotten in enough trouble in the past for his mother to automatically blame any issues that arise in the house on him. This is conflict between him and his mother continues throughout the entire book. The book is also written in a 3^rd person style so the reader can see what is happening from an onlooker’s viewpoint. They are able to experience the in-depth features of the house and surroundings, which is important to all fantasy stories. The creepy and eerie house sets the mood for the reader before the strange events even start happening. The readers must use their temporary suspension of disbelief to really allow themselves fully to the story. The plot has so many unexpected surprises that make the reader want to jump into the next book.  

Connection: The Search for WondLa Series by Tony DiTerizzi

When You Reach Me

Stead, R. (2009). When you reach me. Wendy Lamb Books.  

Summary: Miranda is a middle school girl who struggles to keep a steady set of friends throughout the book. The first friend she loses is Sal who was randomly punched in the face by a boy named Marcus while Miranda and Sal were walking home from school. After this incident, Sal does not come around anymore. Miranda then finds a friendship with Annemarie and then Collin helps get them a job at a local sandwich shop. All while this is happening, Miranda starts to find anonymous notes at home, at the sandwich shop, and in her jacket pocket that mention future events that all end up coming true. She doesn’t know who these notes are coming from until she sees Sal come face to face with Marcus again. When he turns to run away, he is about to be hit by a truck when a homeless man, The Laughing Man, pushes him out of the way and is hit instead. Miranda notices that the man is wearing a pair of shoes from her home and then finds the forth and final note on him. The note helps her come to the conclusion that the Laughing Man is actually an older version of Marcus who has traveled back in time.

Commentary: This novel is written from the point of view of Miranda. It is written this way so the author can understand the personal struggles that Miranda faces as the plot begins to twist and turn. The reader sees her confusion and fear turn to intrigue and curiosity as the notes continue to appear. This fantasy novel is laced with elements of time travel throughout the book and includes references to the popular book titled A Wrinkle in Time. If the reader has previously been exposed to this book, it immediately sparks an interest and helps the reader to make a connection. Miranda is a relatable character because of the struggles she faces such as living with a single mom, losing and gaining friends, and finding a place to fit in. The unique plot of this book definitely keeps readers guessing and wondering what will happen next.

Connection: Goodbye Stranger by Rebecca Stead and Liar & Spy by Rebecca Stead

The Winner's Curse

Rutkoski, M. (2014). The winner's curse. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.  
Best Fiction for Young Adults (2015 Winner)

Summary: Kestrel, the privileged daughter of a general of the Valorians, was with her friend Jess when she purchased a Herrani slave, Arin, at an auction. Arin was once one of the privileged Herrani descendants but the war took his parent’s lives and captured him as a slave. She took him back to her manor to be a blacksmith and at first had no interest in making friends but as time passes, a friendship and eventually attraction forms. All the while life goes on for the Valorians, Arin is making plans with other Herrani slaves to start a revolution. As Kestrel and Arin grow closer, he starts to accompany her to outings and will take her to the ball that the revolution is to start at. As they leave the ball together and share their first kiss, but at the same time there is an explosion at the ball. Even with Arin’s objection, she has been taken as a slave by the other Herrani slaves, she and Jess escape and are returned to the general of the Valorians. The general overtakes the Herrani and makes a deal to let them be free but live under the rule of the Valorians. Kestrel delivers the news to Arin along with the news that she is to marry the prince and eventually rule the kingdom. She hurts Arin with this news but he doesn’t know that she is only doing it because it was part of the deal and she knew he wouldn’t agree to the deal if he knew.

Commentary: In this first book of the three part trilogy, Kestrel is a domineering character who begins the novel as a naïve, privileged girl but transforms into a compassionate, understanding, and level headed woman. Her relationship with Arin is an unlike one but against all odds and stereotypes, she sees his wonderful qualities. Although this is a fantasy story, and the setting is in a fictional land, there are no magical elements in this novel. This makes it all the more believable and relatable for the reader. The plot continues to be unpredictable with different twists and turns that keep the reader guessing. Even though there are two more books that follow this one, I was truly shocked by the ending and did not expect that turn in events. It is a cliffhanger that keeps the reader hanging on to every word of the stories to come.

Connection: The Selection Series by Kiera Cass

Also Known As

Benway, R. (2013). Also known as. New York: Walker Books.  
Quick Picks (2014 Winner)

Summary: Maggie and her parents are secret spies in an organization called The Collective that goes all around the world to solve problems. Maggie is a sixteen year old who is gifted at picking locks but has never had a case of her own until she is assigned to follow a boy in a New York private high school. Jesse, the boy who she’s assigned to, has a father who has been tipped off about the Collective spies and could possibly threaten their identities. Maggie is capable of accomplishing all types of outrageous missions but when it comes to high school, she’s clueless as to how to go about making friends or how to act. She makes friends with an unlikely outcast of a character named Roux who the reader can’t help but love. Through all of her endeavors and new experiences in high school, she remembers her mission but struggles with the desire to have a normal life as she starts to fall for Jesse, her main reason for being there. As her feelings for Jesse grew, her case also grew more intense. With the help of Jesse, Roux, her parents, and mentor Angelo, she was able to solve to case and end up with her first official love interest!

Commentary: One of the first things I noticed in this novel is the humor Maggie displays as she tells the story. She is an intriguing character who readers can relate to but also be astonished by because of the strange life she leads. She forms great relationships with many of the characters in the book starting with Roux. Although not the best choice of a friend to instantly fit in due to Roux being an outcast in her school, they learn how to be good friends together and have a comical relationship. Maggie also has a magnificent relationship with her parents. They are very supportive of all her endeavors and help her through every step of the way. Like in many young adult novels, they don’t disappear in the background because of the main characters problems; Maggie’s parents are present for all of her decisions and stand by her through many tough times. Finally, her relationship with Jesse was a bit predictable but it is always captivating to read about a girl’s first real love and relationship. The mixed emotions, feelings, and insecurities she portrays in the book are very relatable to readers of her age.

Connection: Gallagher Girl Series by Ally Carter

I'll Give You the Sun

Nelson, J. (2014). I'll give you the sun. Dial Books. 
Printz and Printz Honor (2015 Winner)

Summary: Noah and Jude Sweetwine are fraternal twins who were raised by a conservative scientist father and a liberal artist mother. Growing up in a relatively stable home Noah and Jude always got along until the age of thirteen. At age thirteen Noah is focused on his art and getting into the art school, CSA, while Jude is focused on her friends who are concerned with their clothes and makeup. When Noah doesn’t get into CSA, he starts a secret relationship with a boy named Brian who is also trying to hide the fact that he is gay. When that doesn’t end well, tragedy strikes again at the age of fourteen when they learn their mom having an affair and planning to leave their father. Before she can make that happen, she is killed in a car accident.  Noah lies to his sister and dad telling them that she was planning on mending their broken marriage. At sixteen, after reeling at the loss of their mother Jude focuses on her art and gets accepted into CSA where she meets Guillermo Garcia, the man who had an affair with her mother. She does forgive him and falls in love with Oscar, a student he is mentoring. After having some daredevil experience, Noah faces the fact that he is still in love with Brian and comes out to his father who accepts him. Him and Jude reconcile their differences and come back together as a close-knit family.

Commentary: This novel is about coming of age and growing into whom you are. As Noah and Jude grow up, they mature and accept themselves at different rates and go in different paths. At a young age, Noah acted as the responsible and ambitious artist but when tragedy strikes, he reverts back to a more immature response and behavior until his life was taking a turn for the worse and he began to accept who he was. Jude, on the other hand, chose to ignore her responsibilities at a young age but then realizes her potential when she is faced with hardships. She becomes a driven, loving, and forgiving person because of it. Both experiences, although different, made them stronger and more accepting people.

Connection: The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

Everything I Never Told You

Ng, C. (2014). Everything I never told you. Penguin Books.  
ALEX Award List (2015 Winner)

Summary: Set in the 1970s in Ohio, The Lee family finds out that there middle daughter, Lydia, has drowned in a lake. After her death, secrets about the family’s dysfunction come to light. Between her dad’s insecurities about his Chinese-American heritage and her mom’s reluctant attitude in their marriage, there were problems festering way before the birth of their children. These problems develop into mom leaving but then coming back in the earlier years and dad having an affair with his teacher assistant after the death of their daughter. After Lydia’s death, we learn of her older brother, Nath’s, frustration over her being the golden child and Lydia’s friendship with their neighbor Jack. Nath detests Jack but Jack secretly is in love with Nath. When Lydia tries to initiate a romantic connection with Jack, she is rejected and learns of his interest for Jack. This along with the pressure of becoming successful, distaste from Nath, and problems with her parents, push her into the idea that she has had enough. She decides to row herself in a boat to the middle of a lake a step off, knowing she couldn’t swim. This realization to her family is hurtful but in turn brings them closer together as a loving family.

Commentary: From the beginning, Lydia is as much of a mystery to the reader’s as she is to her family.  The reader learns more about Lydia and her family as the plot thickens and includes flashbacks throughout the story. This gives the reader insight to information that is not freely given by any of the other characters. The theme of this book understands that there is true danger in keeping your silence and never voicing how you feel. Because Lydia kept her feelings of overwhelming pressure, family turmoil, and rejection to herself, she was not able to handle her feelings in a more helpful way. The plot of this story is truly unpredictable and you cannot expect what is going to happen next. It keeps the reader guessing and on the edge of their seat throughout the story.

Connection: Land of Loving and Drowning by Tiphanie Yanique and The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henriquez

Ella Enchanted

Levine, G. (1997). Ella enchanted. New York: HarperCollins. 
Popular Paperback (2015)

Summary: When she was born, the fairy, Lucinda, grants Ella the gift of obedience. As the years pass, Ella’s mother realizes how detrimental this gift really is, if anyone tells Ella to do something, she must obey no matter the risk to herself or others. Before her mother dies, she tells Ella to keep the gift a secret so no one misuses it. When she is distraught about her mother’s death, she runs into Prince Charmont (Char) who is kind to her. Soon after, her father decides to send her to finishing school with two horrid sisters named Olive and Hattie. Hattie quickly realizes Ella’s gift and begins to mistreat Ella by using it against her. Once she returns home and finds that her father has remarried the horrid sister’s mother because he has lost all of his money. Her new stepmother makes her a servant in the house but she continues to stay in contact with Char through letters. Secretly attending the ball, Ella realizes Char wants to ask Ella for her hand in marriage. She knows this is a bad idea due to her obedience and potential of becoming a threat to Char. After running out of the ball and losing her slipper, he finds her and orders her to marry him. She uses all her strength to disobey and say no which in turn breaks the curse. Now free, Ella happily marries Char and enjoys her life with him forever.

Commentary: Immediately, readers can connect this novel with the classic, Cinderella. As most know, there are hundreds of versions of the Cinderella story, this one being one of my favorites. The characteristic that Ella must be obedient is a huge twist in the story. This substantially adds to the obstacles similar to the original tale.  In this fairy tale filled with ogres, elves, and giants in a different world, the reader can travel to a faraway place and let their imagination go to a world of balls, magic, and happily ever after. As all Cinderella versions, this is a timeless story that will live on and be relevant forever.

Connection: Just Ella by Margaret Peterson Haddix

The 5th Wave

Yancey, R. (2013). The 5th Wave. G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers.  
NYT Bestseller (Aug. 30, 2015 - YA Paperback)

Summary: The 5^th Wave a Science Fiction novel that describes the waves of an alien attack. In the first wave, the electronics were destroyed, the second wave brought catastrophic destruction to all of the coastlines, the third wave wiped out seven billion people with an Ebola virus, and wave four revealed that some humans were hosts to aliens. Cassie and Ben are living separate lives and are now embarking on the fifth and final wave of the attack. Both of Cassie’s parents have died and she is in search of her little brother. During her search, she is shot, nearly dies, and taken in by a boy who she believes is the shooter. Ben is living in a refugee camp and was sick with the Ebola virus until he received medicine to cure him. He became a solider to battle the aliens who killed his sister. Along the way, he finds a small boy who believes his sister is coming to save him. Through a series of events, Cassie finds her little brother on the corrupted military base where him and Ben are staying. They find each other and escape together outrunning and surviving from the people trying to kill them.

Commentary: The 5^th Wave is a novel that consists of dual narratives from Cassie and Ben. It is an intriguing approach to a two stories that become intertwined at the end. A commonality in the characters mistrust they have in others. Because of the resent catastrophic events, survivors are turning on each other, which creates paranoia and suspension in all who remain. This book causes the reader to have a temporary suspension of disbelief and let themselves become lost in the story. These events can become real in reader’s minds because of the extensive description of the setting and events. Without the vivid descriptions, readers would not be able to dive a deeply and emotionally into the story. The ending gives a sense of hopefulness because of the unlikelihood but prevalence of survival in the circumstances that Cassie and Ben faced.

Connection: Books with similar themes: Divergent by Veronica Roth and The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken

Fangirl

Rowell, R. (2013). Fangirl. St. Martin's Griffin.  
NYT Bestseller (Aug. 30, 2015 - YA Paperback)

Summary: Cath Avery is a Simon Snow fanfiction writing addict who is known to her online fans as Magicath. As she begins her freshman year at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, she finds herself living with someone other than her twin sister, Wren. Being focused on her writing and having a deadline to finish a book by the end of her freshman year, she does not care much about the college social life or doing anything other than writing for that matter. As hard as she tries to stay in her world of Simon Snow stories, there are exterior life experiences that are hindering focus; her professor dislikes her fanfiction writing, her sister’s liking to college life and growing alcoholism, her dad’s bipolar disorder, and the absence of her mother since she was little. Not only is she struggling with all that life is throwing at her, to top it off; she has grown feelings for her roommate’s ex-boyfriend, Levi. As she is dealing with each experience as they come, the novel ends with Cath on the up swing in life. She ends up with a catch as a boyfriend, a sobering up sister, a dad who is trying to work through her issues, and a successful and finished book.

Commentary: This novel is geared toward the older ages of the Young Adult readers as the main character, Cath, is entering college. It discusses very relatable topics such as wanting to focus on something you are passionate about but extenuating circumstances get in the way. Whether it is troubles with friends or family, I believe all teens can relate to the hardships found in this contemporary realistic fiction novel and how difficult it is to overcome them. As Cath battles with her desire to finish the story she is writing, she is continues to have anxiety about the college life.  Her intimidating roommate and Levi help to open her up to a world that she didn’t even know she wanted to be a part of.

Connection: Book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYk1H3DV8yk

El Deafo

Bell, C. (2014).  El Deafo.  BY: Abrams. 

Summary: In this graphic novel, Cece, a four-year-old rabbit, is living a normal life with her parents and siblings. When Cece contracts meningitis, she is hospitalized and  loses her hearing due to the illness. At first her hearing device does not bother her because she is able to attend kindergarten with other deaf students who have similar devices. When she enters a public school and in a general education classroom, her self-consciousness about her hearing aide increases. As Cece tries to fit in, she has multiple friends who aren’t quite the right fit for her. Once fitted with a more powerful and larger hearing device, the Phonic Ear, Cece has more of a desire to fit in. Through her various friendships and crushes on boys, she finds camaraderie with her peers when she reveals that due to her hearing aide, she can hear her teacher go to the bathroom, visit in the teacher’s lounge, and go about her daily routines, which she has believed was her alter ego super hero, El Deafo’s, super power. The other students applaud her for her great powers, which make her feel accepted and normal. She has blended her fantasy as El Deafo and her reality as Cece.

Commentary: In this semi-autobiographical graphic novel, Cece Bell describes her life when she was younger. She portrays herself as Cece in the novel; a creative and whimsical character that has insecurities strives for acceptance like almost all young adults. This novel describes her interactions with her peers and how she is willing to do almost anything for their friendship at first. She recognizes the dysfunction in many of the friendships but holds on to them regardless of their flaws until they are unbearable. Although this novel seems to appeal to children who struggle with hearing loss at first, as you read the book, there are many themes and relatable experiences that all young adults can confide in.

Connection: Bee-Wigged by Cece Bell and the Sock Monkey series by Cece Bell

Speak

Anderson, L. H.  (1999). Speak.  NY:  Penguin. 

Summary: Melinda Sordino is a socially rejected freshman at Merryweather High School due to her calling the police at a high school party in the summer prior to school starting. Little do the other students know, she is carrying around a terrible secret that is weighing heavy on her heart, emotions, and friendships. She gains an unlikely friend in Heather, a new student at school, who is trying to gain popularity, unlike Melinda. Melinda spends most of her time in an abandoned janitors closet and finding solace in art class, she finally starts to deal with the fact that a senior, Andy Evans, at the very party where she called the cops, raped her. As Andy makes appearances in her life and starts to come close to one of her former friends, Melinda begins to gain the confidence to come out about her rape. As she comes out about her incident, other girls start to speak up about their unfortunate experiences with Andy as well. When Andy confronts Melinda in her, what she thought was her very safe janitor’s closet; she takes a stand and fights back. This gains the respect of many of her peers. The book ends by her returning to her place of solace, art class, and confiding in her art teacher about her traumatic experiences.

Commentary: In Speak, Melina’s experience and struggles are slowly revealed throughout the story. The reader knows at the beginning that she is an outcast and that something has happened to her but they do not know what. This style of writing keeps the reader interested and curious about what experience is truly haunting her to change so drastically. When the truth about her rape is revealed to the reader, most of the other characters do not know about her experience. The reader is able to live through her struggles and just how difficult it is to come out about the sexual abuse to others. Because of this experience, Melinda’s friendships are fractured. She is thought of as a social outcast by the main population of the school so what she thought were her “true” friends followed suit. Even if rape is not the relating factor to the reader, many readers can relate to how she deals with fractured friendships and rejection.  Finally, This book does not finish in a normal happy fairy tale ending. In the end, Melinda is just discovering her strength to recoginize what happened to her was out of her control. After the book ends, she will still have much healing and hardships ahead much like real life. 

Connection: Just Listen by Sarah Dessen, The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, and Some Boys by Patty Blount.

Annie On My Mind

Garden, N. (1982).  Annie on my mind.  NY:  FSG. 

Summary: Liza Winthrop and Annie Kenyon are seventeen year-old girls from New York City who, even though they are from very diverse backgrounds, form an immediate friendship after a random meeting at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  As their friendship progresses, they begin to discover a sexual attraction to each other, and not only have to deal the normal emotions of first love,  but also the social stigma of homosexuality and rejection by friends, family and school administrators.  Their relationship is exposed while house-sitting for two lesbian teachers from Liza's private school who were subsequently fired during the ensuing turmoil, which adds even more guilt and confusion as they question their self-identities.  The book is written from Liza's point of view one year after their first meeting and several months after they last saw each other and were then attending colleges on opposite ends of the country.  It took Liza more time than Annie to accept her true feelings regardless of the consequences, but her attempt to revive their relationship gives the book an uplifting and hopeful ending.

Commentary: Since this book deals with early adolescent sexuality, it is meant for teenagers and young adults, but can be enjoyed by older adults as well.  Even though the book is somewhat dated since it was written in 1982, it is relevant in today's society still divided by same-gender morality and legal rights issues.  This is a very character infused book as we learn each girl's unique personalities and desires as they struggle to determine how to deal with their unique bond. I believe the true lesson of the book is not in the sexual nature of Liza and Annie's relationship, but in the need to be accepting of others regardless 0f our differences, and the necessity for each individual to find his or her own identity. 

Connection:  Am I Blue?: Coming Out from the Silence by Marion Dane Bauer

Brown Girl Dreaming

Woodson, J. (2014). Brown Girl Dreaming.  NY: Nancy Paulsen Books. 

Summary: Jacqueline Woodson's autobiography is about her life as an African-American girl.  Born in 1963 in Ohio as the youngest of three children, her parents divorced when she was only one, and her mother moved the children to Greenville, South Carolina where they lived with her grandparents during much of her early childhood.  She had a loving family and wonderful memories of that period, but also witnessed intense discrimination of the South, including vivid memories of sitting at the back of the bus.  Her mother was involved in the civil rights movement, and moved to New York City, eventually relocating her children there after the birth of the fourth sibling. The children were raised in the strict Jehovah's Witness religion, often spending five days a week at bible study or going door-to-door to spread the word. Her sister Odella was brilliant, and brother Hope had singing and artist talents, but Jacqueline struggled in school until she was recognized for her amazing memory and language skills. The book deals with racial discrimination, religion, education and family bonds. She concludes the book with her beliefs in God, goodness, family, friends, nonviolence, and Black and White people coming together.

Commentary: The writing style is unique in it's free-style verse, so is like reading a collection of poems. It has historical references to the 1960's and 1970's, particularly regarding the Civil Rights Era.  It is enlightening to understand how our society has dealt with race issues over the last fifty years, and the message is still relevant today in the evolving racial discrimination concerns. There is humor in the book as it addresses very serious issues. It is a good book for teachers and parents to start conversations about the differences and similarities in each of us regardless of race, and is also a good introduction into poetry for middle school and high school students.

Connection:  Separate is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family's Fight for Desegregation by Duncan Tonatiuh

Gabi: A Girl In Pieces

Quintero, I.  (2014).  Gabi: A girl in pieces.  TX:  Cinco Puntos. 

Summary: As Gabi Hernandez enters her senior year in high school, her best friend Cindy announces she is pregnant, and their other best friend Sabastian finally tells his parents he is gay, after which he is kicked out of the house.  Gabi's family is also quite dysfunctional, particularly because her adored father is a meth addict and leaves for weeks at a time to live on the streets. Gabi is a talented writer, and excels in her new poetry class where she meets and falls in love with Martin. She has body issues over her weight, of which her mother continually reminds her, and talks about exercising but instead obsesses on food and binges with every new stress in her life.  She expresses herself in her journal, through her poetry and the letters she writes but never sends. She loves her Mexican culture, and sometimes worries she is too Americanized, but she embraces her intelligence and independence and works hard to get into a good college to break the traditional mold.  She must cope with her father's death from an overdose, her mother's and friend's unplanned pregnancies, helping raise an infant brother along with a rebelish teenage brother, as well as all the drama of high school.  She is placed on suspension from school and not allowed to attend her graduation ceremony after starting a fight with the boy who raped her best friend Cindy, but in the end, celebrates with her family and friends with the optimistic belief her life will turn out all right.

Commentary: This is a fictional account told in first person by Gabi, and you can envision a real teenager in a stereotypical Mexican-American neighborhood through the vivid descriptions.  The book uses humorist, realistic teenage language, and makes it even more interesting in the use of many Spanish phrases as evidence of their bilingual culture.  Gabi is very inspiring in that she makes the best of her imperfect life, stays true to herself with her strong views and independence, but also remains loyal to her friends and family.  There is a strong, loving bond between the characters even while exposing their flaws.  The book is appropriate for ages 14 and up, and provides a great message of supporting those close to you, making the very best of your situation, and staying true to yourself.
Connections: How to Build a Girl by Caitlin Moran and Friendswood by Rene Steinke

George

Gino, A. (2015).  George.  NY: Scholastic. 

Summary: George was born a boy, but had always known she was a girl.  She just didn't know how to tell the rest of the world.  She loved dressing up in her mother's clothes, started collecting a secret stash of fashion magazines, and called herself Melissa in private.  She was bullied in school for being a "freak", but her best friend Kelly always accepted her differences.  After George's 4^th grade class finished reading Charlotte's Web, there would be a play based upon the book, and all girls were invited to try out for Charlotte the spider's role and the boys were to try out for the role of Wilbur the pig.  The teacher would not allow George to be the female Charlotte, so when her best friend Kelly got the part, she suggested they switch roles between the first and second performances so George's mother could finally see her as a girl.  After the play, and to the delight of George, her classmates, teachers and other parents raved about her performance as they were beginning to understand her.  Even though her mother and brother Scott had long believed she was gay, it was shocking to discover she was actually transgender, but eventually agreed to go to family counseling to support her. At the end, Kelly invited George to the zoo and surprised her best friend with a wardrobe of girl's clothes and make-up to wear on her first public appearance as Melissa.  It was the best week of her life, with the promise of better things to come.

Commentary: This book uses third person narration focusing on the feelings of George (aka Melissa) and attitudes of those around her.  It is based on George's life in the 4^th grade, and is appropriate for middle grade ages. The book is certainly timely as our society is becoming more tolerant of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals. It is informative in bringing up youthful transgender topics, even briefly discusses transitioning and hormone treatments before and during puberty.  The main character, George, is very strong in never doubting herself and her desire to be accepted for who she it. She really is just a regular kid with normal every-day problems and joys. The other endearing character in the book is Kelly, the forever loyal friend, who had no reservations about treating George the same whether he was a boy or girl, and in fact was excited to have a new girlfriend for dress-up days.  She was instrumental in helping George explain her situation and getting others to understand and accept her. This is a wonderful book to use to teach acceptance of others regardless of any differences they may have, be it sexual, race, religion, size or appearance.
Connection:  Gracefully Grayson by Ami Polonsky

It's Perfectly Normal

Harris, R.  (2009). It’s perfectly normal.  Boston, MA:  Candlewick Press. 

Summary: This is a very informative book for children ages ten and up entering into adolescence, and can be used by parents trying to give their children truthful answers to the all-important questions about human sexuality.  The book is scientific in its technical terminology and vivid descriptions of female and male body parts, menstruation, masturbation, intercourse, reproduction, sexually transmitted diseases, and birth control.  But it also presents the facts in a child-friendly manner with its colorful illustrations and use of a curious bird's and embarrassed bee's comments throughout the book.  It clearly explains the physical changes during puberty and both male and female sexual desires, all while being educational and not judgmental.  There are also chapters discussing staying healthy, sex abuse, and safe use of the internet.

Commentary: This is a non-fiction, scientific book presented in language appropriate for children and teens. Not only does the book explain the facts about the natural changes to your body during puberty, but with the help of the insightful illustrations by Michael Emberley, show that it is normal to be different. While some parents will object to the graphic content, particularly dealing with gender identity and homosexuality, pre-marital sexual activity, and birth control (including abortions), I believe the book can be used as a very helpful guide furthering discussions about these difficult subjects.

Connections:  It's So Amazing by Robie H. Harris and It's Not the Stork by Robie H. Harris

Monster

Myers, W. D. (1999).  Monster.  NY: Harper. 
Summary: Steve Harman is a black sixteen year old from Harlem who has been arrested.  The story begins while he is in jail awaiting his trial, scared and confused.  He decides to help make sense of his life he should keep notes as if he were making a film for his high school class. The trial is described as in a Screenplay, with the main characters being Steve and the other defendant, James King.  Other actors include the prosecuting attorney, two defense attorneys, the judge and witnesses.  We learn the details of the crime whereby a drugstore owner was shot with his own gun during a robbery. One witness saw two black men arguing with the owner before she left the store, but there was no other direct evidence. Testimony of two jail mates led to the arrest of the suspects due to the sale of cigarettes stolen in the robbery, and two other suspects took reduced sentences in return for their testimony accusing James of being the shooter and Steve as the lookout before the robbery.  From most accounts, it appears James was in the store, and he is found guilty and given a sentence of 25 years to life.  Steve has proclaimed his innocence, but through a series of flashbacks, admits to talking to James about the robbery, and possibly even being in the store looking for mints, but certainly did not know of the shooting until he heard women from the neighborhood discussing it and saw it on the news.  Eventually he is deemed innocent by the jury, but cannot forget how his own attorney turned away after the verdict - what did she see? Could he really be the monster as the prosecution proclaimed?
Commentary: The style of the book is interesting in that it uses first person narration, a screenplay, and flashbacks. This book is relevant for today as well as past generations, as accused black men are often deemed to be guilty unless they can prove their innocence.  In this story, we feel for Steve, as we know he is a good teenager from a loving family who just associated with some tough guys from his neighborhood.  It was somewhat unavoidable as they played in the same ballpark, but we are led to believe he never had intentions of hurting anyone.  But at the same time, his involvement is questionable, even by his own attorney and father, and maybe even himself.  We must face the questions of whether justice was served when Steve received no punishment, but again, how would society have benefitted by putting a good boy in jail with hardened criminals.  This is a great story for teenagers as it makes you think of the lifetime consequences of one wrong act as well as examine racial injustices.

Connections: A Wreath for Emmett Till by Marilyn Nelson and Making Up Megaboy by Virginia Walters

Persepolis 1: The Story of a Childhood

Sartrapi, M. (2004).  Persepolis.  NY: Pantheon. 

Summary: This is a nonfictional account of Marjane Satrapi's life up to the age of fourteen while living in Iran.  She is the only child of educated parents in an upper-class family who oppose opposed to the Shah's rule, and rejoice when he is overthrown.  However it is a very unstable time in the country during the Islamic Revolution and during the Iran-Iraq war. Her beloved Uncle Anoosh is taken as a political prisoner and eventually executed, causing Marjane to question her belief in God.  Marjane has strong political views and joins demonstrations, but her parents object in fear of her safety. In 1980, strict rules are imposed under the new regime, particularly for women and girls as they are forced to where veils in public. Marjane often gets into trouble in school as she voices her strong opinions and continues her rebellious nature.  After a scud missile hits the neighbor's house and Marjane is expelled from school for hitting her teacher, her parents decide to send her off to a boarding school in Vienna, Austria at the age of fourteen.

Commentary: The book is very unique as it is told in a black and white graphical comic strip style.  The autobiography may at first appear childlike, but deals with very serious subjects of wars, religion and gender inequalities in a humorous and sarcastic way. The combination of words and pictures convey a very vivid historical account of this period in Marjane's life.  It is a very good book for middle school children and older in that it can be a history lesson but told in a way to hold their attention.

Connections: Persepolis 2: The Story of a Return by Marjane Satrapi and Persepolis (Animated Film Distributed by Sony Pictures)