1.
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian
Alexie, S. (2007). The absolutely true
diary of a part-time Indian. NY: Little Brown.
The book is about Junior, a fourteen-year-old
Indian boy who believes that in order for him to receive a good education he
must leave the Spokane Indian Reservation. While Junior looks different than
most kids due to him being and Indian and having been born with water on the
brain, he decides to travel far and attend an all-white school. He faces a lot of
challenges while at his new school from his peers, family, and his own self-doubt
but eventually manages to overcome it. Poverty, loss, identity, family issues
are all discussed and shown through Junior’s comedic relief about his journey
of living within two different cultures in the story.
This is a great book to use for middle school
students. I read this book during my student teaching when it was first
published and was told I had to read it by my group of 7th grade GT
students. They found the book to be hilarious and also real and truly resonated
with the minority students at the middle school. I thought it proved to give
some lighthearted comedic relief to social issues and feelings most teens go
through at one point in their life when they begin to question things, think
for themselves, struggle with being accepted by their peers and society.
2. Black, Holly. (2013). The Coldest Girl in ColdTown.
NY: Little Brown
Tana wakes up from a party one morning and
finds all the other invited brutally murdered. As she goes through the rooms,
she finds her ex-boyfriend (Aiden) chained to a bed and to her surprise he has
transformed into a vampire. In the room there is also Gavriel who is a vampire.
Tana leaves the house with Aiden and Gavriel and decide to head towards Coldtown,
a place for the infected and where vampires live. After they get to Coldtown,
Tana realizes that her only way to get out of Coldtown is to turn in Gavriel,
the problem is that she has grown fond of him. If she were to turn him in she
will receive an exit marker allowing her to go wherever she needs to. At the
same time she learns that her sister has entered Coldtown as well. She must
find her and find a way to leave together.
There was a lot of intense action throughout
this novel; I have always been a huge fan of the fantasy vampire novels. This story had alot of similar themes as most vampire novels do such as Twilight, House of Night and Vampire Academy books. It was such a great novel that I found
myself being unable to stop reading once I started. The novel was very well
written making the structure of the story very entertaining as some of my favorite vampire stories. I would recommend it for students who are in grades 9 or up. This book definitely will be reread and lived up to being awarded a Best Fiction book for YA.
Book Trailer
Book with similar theme:
3. The List
Awarded the 2013 Best Fiction for YA this book is similar to a lot of other books that focus on high
It's Perfectly Normal
Ness, P. (2008). The knife of never letting go. Boston, MA: Candlewick Press
The Knife of Never Letting Go is the first of a trilogy written by Patrick Ness. The story focuses on Todd, Manchee and Viola and intertwines the themes of innocence, maturity, loyalty, despair and sacrifice. Todd is a twelve-year-old boy, and his dog Manchee. They live on a planet that only has 147 inhabitants all of which are males. At least this is what he has been told. He discovers that there are more people including women on his planet. After he escapes from the town this is where things get very interesting because the town’s army is sent to kill him.
1. Telgemeier, Raina. (2012). Drama. New York: Graphix
Quintero, I. (2014). Gabi: A girl in pieces. El Paso, TX: Cinco Puntos Press
Before her senior year begins, Gabi is shocked to learn that her best friend is not only a virgin but she is pregnant. She has to deal with an overprotective mother who wants her to follow the rules of the Mexican culture for girls and wait until she's married to have sex even though she was born out of wedlock when her mother had her. Her mother is very critical of what Gabi eats and monitoring her weight, Her father is drug addict whose meth addiction is constantly disappointing his family. Gabi's other closest friend, Sebastian, reveals that he is gay which she isn't bothered by. She tries to deal with the boys she likes, the food she wants and her own feelings on sexual experiences and everything else happening in her life through the poetic chronicles in her journal.
I absolutely loved that the message of this book is about modern day girl struggling to merge all the parts of herself and form her true identity. The book's cover definitely makes you notice and say "Huh?" but once you read the story you begin to understand. I love how it shows this merge of body parts coming together to make one individual and how the title shows lines that were written as a way to define Gabi but then were crossed out to show who Gabi is in the story. Gabi's character and need for trying not to disappoint her mother make her very relate-able, She accepts Sebastian and his openness without passing judgement and fights for Cindy when it is learned that she was raped. Growing up in religious family I can relate to the struggle of being a teen girl and wanting to feel more accepted in the modern world when what you've grown up learning isn't always the popular choice.
This book would be great for anyone struggling with finding themselves and is also a great way to get students to write poetry to reveal their feelings and emotions. They could write about an issue in their life that's important to them and decide if they want to share it with their peers or family.
Smith, Andrew. (2015). Stick. NY: Square Fish
Almost fourteen year old Stark is bullied by his peers for being deformed, he was born with only one ear and because he is tall and thin he is nicknamed Stick. He sees himself as ugly and comes from an abusive home. His older brother Bosten is his protector and always defends him. Stick's best friend Emily, cares for him and can see past his deformity for the person he really is and the wonderful qualities he possesses. After going to stay with their Aunt Dahlia, the boys get a glimpse of what love and caring looks like. When they return Bosten's secret love with is best friend Paul is found out which causes Bosten to worry about what their father will do to him, so he decides to run away. When Stick learns that his brother has run away he decides to go and find him meeting different types of people along the way. Stick finds his brother and decides that in order to survive it is best that he stay with their Aunt Dahlia.
This story is intense and wonderful. Stick's character is one that most 13 year old boys can find themselves in as he begins to question things in his life and make sense of what is happening. Girls are a mystery to him and he is beginning to experience embarrassing sexual arousal more frequently. However, unlike most young boys his world is turned upside down when his abusive father is given custody after learning his parents are divorcing and his brother is gay. This book would be a great story for boys and will allow them to find connections.
Book Trailer
Grasshopper Jungle
Smith, A. (2014). Grasshopper jungle. New York: Dutton.
Austin the main character of the story along with his girlfriend Shann and best friend Robby, who is a homosexual, live in a rundown, half abandoned town in Iowa. One day they are attacked by a gang of bullies while skateboarding through an alley. When the gang lead by Grant Wallace beat up the boys it causes Robby to bleed on the ground. Later that night when the boys go back to retrieve their skateboards that had been thrown on top of the roof they notice a trapdoor into the store where Austin works. They find a glowing green globe that Grant who has returned accidentally drops in the blood releasing a plague that immediately infects the townsfolk turning them into giant man eating preying mantises that only want to eat and have sex. Austin, Shann, Robby, along with Shann's mother and her boyfriend find a cure and work to save the town. They aren't successful at saving the town but are able to stop the creatures. During this time Austin is a hormonal teenager only thinking of sex with both Shann and Robby and eventually has both. In the end we realize that he tells the story of his history and the end of the world.
Smith does a great job at giving his story the same feel as an old science fiction movie. The apocalyptic scenes, fantasy elements, and topic of sex make it a recommendation for high school readers. It also uses profanity, drug abuse, and sexual identities. This book is a 2015 Best Fiction for YA readers ad Michael Printz 2015 Award Honor..
Books by the same author:
Block, Francesca Lia. ( 2001). Echo. New York:
Harper Collins Publishers
18. The Adventures of Superhero Girl
21. Monster
Book Trailer
Book with similar theme:
- Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge
3. The List
Vivian, S. (2012). The List. NY: Scholastic.
It’s tradition. You know is coming. Every
year before homecoming, the list is posted all over school with the names of
two girls from each grade. One is the prettiest while the other is the ugliest.
By alternating the chapters to focus on each girl we learn why they were given
this social label. Abby, Danielle, Lauren, Candace, Sarah, Bridget, Margo and
Jennifer each share a part of themselves and allow readers to see through their
actions, emotions, and friends and family how they react to the list in
different ways. Topics of popularity, bulimia, self-esteem, bullying, relationships
and all aspects of teenage girl drama cover the pages in this realistic
fiction,
Awarded the 2013 Best Fiction for YA this book is similar to a lot of other books that focus on high
school groups and learning to not let other
people define who you are. It is a true form of realistic fiction because it
would appeal to most high school teens who enjoy reading about unsanctioned
school traditions and have their own insecurities over body images. Teens would
relate to this story because they have seen some of the things happening in
their school, from movies and television shows. For individuals who may not
have personally related to the topics, it provides a close up view to the
struggles a teenage girl goes through to be socially accepted in society.
It's Perfectly Normal
1.
Harris, Robe H. (2014). It’s perfectly normal:
changing bodies, growing up, sex, and sexual health. Somerville, MA: Candlewick
Press.
A book about growing up and the changes
our bodies undergo written in a kid friendly manner to relate to younger
readers. Young readers are able to learn about the way their bodies change as
they continue to grow and develop into adults. This book gives lots of facts
and details about the issues that parents may sometimes be uncomfortable to
speak abut such as birth control, reproduction, abortion, sexually transmitted
diseases, and sexual abuse. The book includes detailed cartoon drawings to
depict different body types, the human anatomy and helps young readers learn
about the good and bad to sex.
The best thing for me was having a
bird and a bee present the information in a comedic way in the book. The bird
is full of curiosity and wants to know more about the topics explored and the
bee is so shy about discussing these topics and doesn’t want to talk about
them. With these two animals being the main characters, the author accurately depicts
both sides of how young readers would react to these changes in their bodies
and learning about this information. Although
this book has been challenged by many it presents the information in a format
that would be appealing to any reader child to adult and is easily relatable.
Books with similar themes:
- American Medical Association Girl's Guide to Becoming a Teen
- American Medical Association Boy’s Guide to Becoming a Teen
1. Paper Towns
Green, John. (2008). Papertowns. NY: Dutton Books
Another story told from the perspective of the character. Quentin is a nice, high school senior, with supportive parents, but not popular among the teens. His neighbor Margo, is a true rebel who lives by her own rules and hangs out with the not so nice "in crowd". Tired and fed up with her cheating boyfriend, superficial parents, and friends and Orlando she decides its time to shake things up. She drags Q out of his house in the middle of the night to help her get back at her boyfriend and friends. Their night proves to be very adventurous and exciting for Q and is left as an unforgettable memory. He becomes worried after Margo disappears and becomes determined to find her when her parents couldn't care less. Along with his friends he goes on the search for her gathering clues along he way, she is found in New York. Excited and happy to find the girl of his dreams he gets crushed when he realizes that she never wanted to be found and has no desire to return home.
This book left me a little puzzled and I found myself wondering why throughout the novel. For some reason, maybe for diversity John Green showcases a young African American as the best friend of Quentin and his mother who has an obsession of collecting black Santa figurines. He does a nice job of making the characters believable and you can sense the emotions the characters must be feeling like when Margo is yelled at by her father, or her mother telling her she wasn't welcomed home anymore. The book showed realistic qualities in the characters by using the comedic and relatable banter between Q and his friends.
Other books by the author:
6. Annie On My Mind
This book left me a little puzzled and I found myself wondering why throughout the novel. For some reason, maybe for diversity John Green showcases a young African American as the best friend of Quentin and his mother who has an obsession of collecting black Santa figurines. He does a nice job of making the characters believable and you can sense the emotions the characters must be feeling like when Margo is yelled at by her father, or her mother telling her she wasn't welcomed home anymore. The book showed realistic qualities in the characters by using the comedic and relatable banter between Q and his friends.
Other books by the author:
- The Fault in Our Stars
- An Abundance of Catherines
- Looking for Alaska
6. Annie On My Mind
Garden, Nancy. (1982). Annie on my mind.
New York: Farrar, Straus, Giroux
Nancy Garden tells the story of a lesbian
relationship between two seventeen-year-old senior girls. Although, Liza and
Annie come from different social economic backgrounds and don’t attend the same
school, Liza attends private school and Annie attends a public school, they
bond over their common interests and begin to build a friendship that becomes
more and evolves into a relationship. Liza struggles with her feelings as she
fears what her friends and family will think about her and it. After their
relationship is discovered, they face negativity from others but also receive support
from another unexpected couple. When they go off to college and their separate ways,
it is Liza’s phone call to Annie that brings them back together.
Nancy does a wonderful job explaining and
describing the settings in the story. She is very detailed about the
architectural features of the New York Library to the point where one could
imagine themselves being there or wanting to be there. The way her words also
describe Annie’s high school helped to move the story along and showed just how
wonderfully her words could create visual images for the reader. Garden also
does a wonderful job using descriptive language that depicts the changing
relationship between Liza and Annie. This book would do well with 9th
graders, in order to remind them to stay true to themselves no matter the
obstacles or challenges they may face.
Books By The Same Author
- Endgame
- Good Moon Rising
7. Persepolis
Sartrapi, Marjane. (2003). Persepolis. New
York: Pantheon.
Ten-year-old Marjane shares her story about
her culture, country, and history. The story is written as a memoir and told as
a graphic novel about her life growing up in Iran during the 1980s. Amidst the
violence, Marjane’s dad refuses to leave Iran afraid that he will lose his
social status while others flee or send their loved ones away. During this time
a revolution happened which resulted in changes to Marjane’s life while she
tries to manage living life like most girls do by going to school, enjoying her
friendships and using the latest fashions to experiment with. As she begins to
question what is happening and learns about what the fighting is over, she
begins to feel embarrassed and ashamed that she is not able to do more. Marjane
becomes a rebel and is sent away by her parents as they become afraid of her.
Written as a graphic novel, Persepolis does
a great job utilizing a female as the strong character lead. Typically, boys
are showcased as the strong, heroic leads, but Marjane’s character is
overwhelmingly compelling and makes readers want to know more about her life as
the story continues. The drawings in the story help to move the story along and
allows readers to learn more about the history, tradition, and culture of Iran.
The characters are shown to have real feelings and takes you through the
difficulties of living life during war and trying to maintain a sense of
normalcy through it all.
Lesson Ideas:
Students will be able to enjoy this book and
be able to use it in their Social Studies class. It would be a great way to
connect and research cultural differences and traditions. Students can create a
T-chart that lists the cultural differences between Iran and America. In order
to complete a multicultural project, they can research the traditions, history,
laws, clothing, food, beliefs and etc to complete a presentation.
1. The knife Of Never Letting Go
The Knife of Never Letting Go is the first of a trilogy written by Patrick Ness. The story focuses on Todd, Manchee and Viola and intertwines the themes of innocence, maturity, loyalty, despair and sacrifice. Todd is a twelve-year-old boy, and his dog Manchee. They live on a planet that only has 147 inhabitants all of which are males. At least this is what he has been told. He discovers that there are more people including women on his planet. After he escapes from the town this is where things get very interesting because the town’s army is sent to kill him.
Not every good story has to come to a close and that’s one
thing that I enjoyed about this story because if its cliffhanger ending. It
also proved to be an interesting science fiction novel that focused more on the
characters. I am not a huge science fiction fan, but thankfully the plot and
the struggle amongst the characters make it far more interesting. With every
page readers may wonder “what’s going to happen next?” The author does a great
job at giving readers a glimpse into the world of telepathy, space colonies,
and communication between humans and animals through Todd’s experiences. The author puts a lot of excitement in every page and recommend this novel to students in grades 8 and up.
Books by the author:
Books by the author:
- Monsters of Men
- The Crane Wife
- The New World
1.
Drama
1. Telgemeier, Raina. (2012). Drama. New York: Graphix
Callie really enjoys the theater and being part of that
world. She is given the task of designing the set of her junior high school’s
spring play. She sets her sights on having a production with the quality of a
real Broadway set, but the reality of her budget means the money is low and she
isn’t a carpenter. More problems start to arise as the stage crew fail to get
along and she starts to get involved in the drama off stage. She likes a boy
named West, who is an actor in the play but is also in love with Bonnie who
dumps him for someone else. After Bonnie eventually quits her part in the play,
Jesse takes over her part and Callie finds herself developing interest in
Jesse, but it doesn’t work out. After the play Callie is relieved and is
elected president of the stage crew.
I originally picked up this book because thanks to my
students who have read other graphic novels by the same author I felt
intrigued. Drama is exactly what the title suggests and is a great coming of
age story with pieces of humor. The title makes this book a great attention
grabber and I definitely got a kick out of it. This book is also a great tool
to teach readers how to have confidence in yourself and can be used to teach
the social skill to others. Callie was a very determined designer for the play’s
set and made it her responsibility to take her job and the importance of her
role seriously. She showed a great work ethic by watching movies and studying
to prepare for her job.
Books by the same author:
- Smile
- Sisters
10. Gabi: A girl in pieces
Quintero, I. (2014). Gabi: A girl in pieces. El Paso, TX: Cinco Puntos Press
Before her senior year begins, Gabi is shocked to learn that her best friend is not only a virgin but she is pregnant. She has to deal with an overprotective mother who wants her to follow the rules of the Mexican culture for girls and wait until she's married to have sex even though she was born out of wedlock when her mother had her. Her mother is very critical of what Gabi eats and monitoring her weight, Her father is drug addict whose meth addiction is constantly disappointing his family. Gabi's other closest friend, Sebastian, reveals that he is gay which she isn't bothered by. She tries to deal with the boys she likes, the food she wants and her own feelings on sexual experiences and everything else happening in her life through the poetic chronicles in her journal.
I absolutely loved that the message of this book is about modern day girl struggling to merge all the parts of herself and form her true identity. The book's cover definitely makes you notice and say "Huh?" but once you read the story you begin to understand. I love how it shows this merge of body parts coming together to make one individual and how the title shows lines that were written as a way to define Gabi but then were crossed out to show who Gabi is in the story. Gabi's character and need for trying not to disappoint her mother make her very relate-able, She accepts Sebastian and his openness without passing judgement and fights for Cindy when it is learned that she was raped. Growing up in religious family I can relate to the struggle of being a teen girl and wanting to feel more accepted in the modern world when what you've grown up learning isn't always the popular choice.
This book would be great for anyone struggling with finding themselves and is also a great way to get students to write poetry to reveal their feelings and emotions. They could write about an issue in their life that's important to them and decide if they want to share it with their peers or family.
11. Period.8
Crutcher, C. (2013). Period.8. NY: Harper Collins
Paulie is a young guy who has
everything going for him, a nice girlfriend, on the swim team, and is
considered to be a nice and loyal guy by his peers. When Paul decides to
confess to his girlfriend about his cheating and won’t tell who the girl is,
his life begins to change. His period 8 group, is a tight knit group with whom
they share each other’s secrets and trust and rely on one another. The group
that they think they’ve known is forever changed when one of the girls in
school, Mary, has disappeared causing everyone to wonder what could have
happened to her.
I typically don’t enjoy a lot of
books that focus on male characters and sports, but this novel by Crutcher
would appeal to any student who enjoys a thrilling story referencing sports.
The language, character development and plot would make this enjoyable to students
in grades 8 and up.
1
12. Lily and Dunkin
Gephart, D. (2016). Lily and Dunkin. NY: Delacorte
Lily and Dunkin each tell their stories from their
perspective in this book about changes and growing up into the person you want
to be. Lily whose real name is Tom and Dunkin whose real name is Norbert are
both considered to be unusual eight graders. Lily is a boy who identifies with
being a girl and is going through the transgender process and Dunkin has
bipolar disorder which leaves these two with self-image problems. Both have
supportive mothers and dads that have a difficult time relating to them. Dunkin
who is big feels awkward and Lily feels like she’s trapped inside the wrong
body, but despite their differences their similarities allow them to develop a
sweet friendship amongst their peers who are not always ice or considerate.
This book delves into two different topics that most people
are not comfortable or understanding of and presents the storyline in an
endearing manner. Readers are able to see what it is like to feel left out of a
place or feel trapped in your own body unsure of who you are. They also see
what it’s like to suffer with a mental disorder, with no total control of your thoughts
and actions, and how not using the medication that is given to help can become
harmful. It also touches on some other realistic topics like bullying, family,
and grief.
Lesson Plan Ideas
Great book to use for making connections when reading. It
can be used to challenge students and get them out of their comfort zone to
understand the feelings of others. Readers can generate a list and make text to
self connections as they read about the characters and their struggles.
13. Ask The Passengers
King, A.S. (2012). Ask the passengers. New York: Little Brown and Company
Astrid Jones lives a lonely life in a gossipy small town with narrow minded people. With a mother who is overly pushy, a father who is a substance abuser and shows a lack of interest, and a sister who only wants to fit in, she has no connection to the people who are supposed to be closest to her. In order to mentally escape she lies on a picnic table in her backyard and imagines being on the planes and speaking to the passengers that fly overhead across the sky in her backyard about the things she can't share with anyone. The most important question is about what it's like to be in love with another girl because she has fallen in love with Dee Roberts and is ashamed of what she is feeling and what others may think. In the end she opens up and proudly reveals the truth about her relationship with Dee.
Great novel for readers who are struggling to break away from what society feels is normal and are trying to learn what normal is for them. This book shares a powerful theme about being true to yourself and not worrying about anyone else opinions. King does a great job addressing other topics about sibling rivalry, family dysfunction, peer pressure, and the power of love. Astrid's character is someone that adults and teens can relate to as the issue of self acceptance is something that people struggle with. This book would be great to tie in with my school district's No Place for Hate Campaign and encourage readers to be true to themselves.
14. Stick
Almost fourteen year old Stark is bullied by his peers for being deformed, he was born with only one ear and because he is tall and thin he is nicknamed Stick. He sees himself as ugly and comes from an abusive home. His older brother Bosten is his protector and always defends him. Stick's best friend Emily, cares for him and can see past his deformity for the person he really is and the wonderful qualities he possesses. After going to stay with their Aunt Dahlia, the boys get a glimpse of what love and caring looks like. When they return Bosten's secret love with is best friend Paul is found out which causes Bosten to worry about what their father will do to him, so he decides to run away. When Stick learns that his brother has run away he decides to go and find him meeting different types of people along the way. Stick finds his brother and decides that in order to survive it is best that he stay with their Aunt Dahlia.
This story is intense and wonderful. Stick's character is one that most 13 year old boys can find themselves in as he begins to question things in his life and make sense of what is happening. Girls are a mystery to him and he is beginning to experience embarrassing sexual arousal more frequently. However, unlike most young boys his world is turned upside down when his abusive father is given custody after learning his parents are divorcing and his brother is gay. This book would be a great story for boys and will allow them to find connections.
Book Trailer
Grasshopper Jungle
Smith, A. (2014). Grasshopper jungle. New York: Dutton.
Austin the main character of the story along with his girlfriend Shann and best friend Robby, who is a homosexual, live in a rundown, half abandoned town in Iowa. One day they are attacked by a gang of bullies while skateboarding through an alley. When the gang lead by Grant Wallace beat up the boys it causes Robby to bleed on the ground. Later that night when the boys go back to retrieve their skateboards that had been thrown on top of the roof they notice a trapdoor into the store where Austin works. They find a glowing green globe that Grant who has returned accidentally drops in the blood releasing a plague that immediately infects the townsfolk turning them into giant man eating preying mantises that only want to eat and have sex. Austin, Shann, Robby, along with Shann's mother and her boyfriend find a cure and work to save the town. They aren't successful at saving the town but are able to stop the creatures. During this time Austin is a hormonal teenager only thinking of sex with both Shann and Robby and eventually has both. In the end we realize that he tells the story of his history and the end of the world.
Smith does a great job at giving his story the same feel as an old science fiction movie. The apocalyptic scenes, fantasy elements, and topic of sex make it a recommendation for high school readers. It also uses profanity, drug abuse, and sexual identities. This book is a 2015 Best Fiction for YA readers ad Michael Printz 2015 Award Honor..
Books by the same author:
- Winger
- The Marbury Lens
- Moondust: In Search of the Men Who Fell to Earth
1. Echo
Echo struggles with a deep desire to feel loved and wanted
by those she meets. She wants to be loved by someone much like her father loves
her angelic mother who is seen as perfect. She wants to feel attractive and
struggles with self-identity always feeling she is in her mother’s shadow. Her need to be considered beautiful causes her
to feel hopeless as she seeks comfort in the opposite sex coming face to face
with the dangers of vampires, ghosts and fairies. Echo leaves the boys in her life,
doesn’t give up and finds the strength to keep going in order to survive.
Block does a great job telling the story of a journey one
most go on to find their true selves. Self-esteem is an issue that ca be addressed
with young ladies when reading this book. It is also a book that one may want to
read just for fun.
Similar Books:
Recovery Road
- Honey Blonde Chica
Recovery Road
Nelson, Blake. (2011).
Recovery Road. NY: Scholastic
Maddie has hit rock bottom and is now forced to begin her junior year of high school at Spring Meadows, a rehab center. She has an attitude problem, drinking addiction, and hates everyne around her. The only person she has found anything she likes about is Trish, her rehab friend who suffers from drug addictions as a result of her tumultuous life. They begin to go on weekly movie nights but
when Trish leaves Spring Meadows she soon meets Stewart who is also battling addictions and problems of his own. The no fraternization rule between males and females on Recovery Road lead these two young adults to find hidden ways to be together until Maddie is released. Her life and new addiction quickly becomes Stewart and waiting for the day they can be together again. As the months go by Maddie begins to find herself and apply herself at school in hopes to get into a good college and makes new friends. but just when everything good is happening she finds out Trish has died, Stewart has moved on and also back on drugs, She gets into a god college and learns that she has a long road ahead of her on her path of recovery.
When I first heard of Recovery Road it was because it was a television show and then when I found out it was a book, I immediately wanted to read it. Nelson does a good job at describing each character's journey on the road to hopeful recovery and battling their addictions. He shows very honest writing and consequences of alcoholism when he writes about how Maddie learned to beat people up because she simply got really angry after drinking and it came to her. Maddies entire journey throughout this story is her journey and her struggle and Nelson makes it clear when Maddie mentions that she can't help everyone because her issues are her issues. 2012 Best Fiction for YA Readers Award.
Books Similar:
Fallout by Ellen Hopkins
Clean by Amy Lynn Reed
Maddie has hit rock bottom and is now forced to begin her junior year of high school at Spring Meadows, a rehab center. She has an attitude problem, drinking addiction, and hates everyne around her. The only person she has found anything she likes about is Trish, her rehab friend who suffers from drug addictions as a result of her tumultuous life. They begin to go on weekly movie nights but
when Trish leaves Spring Meadows she soon meets Stewart who is also battling addictions and problems of his own. The no fraternization rule between males and females on Recovery Road lead these two young adults to find hidden ways to be together until Maddie is released. Her life and new addiction quickly becomes Stewart and waiting for the day they can be together again. As the months go by Maddie begins to find herself and apply herself at school in hopes to get into a good college and makes new friends. but just when everything good is happening she finds out Trish has died, Stewart has moved on and also back on drugs, She gets into a god college and learns that she has a long road ahead of her on her path of recovery.
When I first heard of Recovery Road it was because it was a television show and then when I found out it was a book, I immediately wanted to read it. Nelson does a good job at describing each character's journey on the road to hopeful recovery and battling their addictions. He shows very honest writing and consequences of alcoholism when he writes about how Maddie learned to beat people up because she simply got really angry after drinking and it came to her. Maddies entire journey throughout this story is her journey and her struggle and Nelson makes it clear when Maddie mentions that she can't help everyone because her issues are her issues. 2012 Best Fiction for YA Readers Award.
Books Similar:
Fallout by Ellen Hopkins
Clean by Amy Lynn Reed
1.
Hicks, Faith Erin. (2013). The adventures of
superhero girl. Milwaukie: Dark Horse Books.
A young woman who has the passion to fight monsters and is looking to find a way to contribute to society dons a cape to become a superhero. In the story she sometimes allows her flaws to stand in the way of her superheroing. She struggles with trying to balance her daily life moments with her calling, like when she has to replace her cape that shrunk in the dryer doing laundry and has to try explaining that she isn’t a superhero when she forgets to take off her mask while looking an actual paying job. Superhero Girl compares herself to her brother who she deems as perfect and begins to question whether she wants to continue being a superhero.
A young woman who has the passion to fight monsters and is looking to find a way to contribute to society dons a cape to become a superhero. In the story she sometimes allows her flaws to stand in the way of her superheroing. She struggles with trying to balance her daily life moments with her calling, like when she has to replace her cape that shrunk in the dryer doing laundry and has to try explaining that she isn’t a superhero when she forgets to take off her mask while looking an actual paying job. Superhero Girl compares herself to her brother who she deems as perfect and begins to question whether she wants to continue being a superhero.
This graphic novel written about a superhero
didn’t feel heavy with emotion which I enjoyed. It was funny and lighthearted.
Superhero Girl’s character goes through conflict and we see the inner struggles
with the choices she makes throughout the story. This story is an easy read for
boys and girls and they will find it interesting and enjoyable. Reluctant
readers will be drawn into the story from its artwork and illustrations.
Lesson Plan Idea:
With inner conflict plying such a big role in
this story, it could be a great way to begin or end an unit teaching conflict
in stories. Students could familiarize themselves with conflict and create a strip
diagram or comic that they can present a character with inner conflict in a
format of their choosing.
19. Speak
19. Speak
1.
Anderson, Laurie Halse. (1999). Speak. New York:
Farrar Straus Giroux
One party can change everything.
These words are couldn’t be more true and apply to Melinda’s life in this story
about a young girl who was raped at a summer teen party. Melinda, a nice girl,
who used to have close friends that she could confide in have abandoned her in
her greatest time of need. Students at her school treat her as an outcast because
she is known as the girl who called the police on the night of the party and no
one knows the real reason why she called that night. Melinda hides away from the
students and her attacker at school and her parents and because she can’t seem
to talk about the horrific incident she doesn’t speak for almost the entire
school year. While she endures the taunting and bullying, it is her art teacher
who seems to notice that something is wrong and she begins to open up. Eventually
she finds the courage to fight back and face her fears.
This book has strong character
development and a well-developed storyline. Characters are a pivotal part of a
good story and in this class we learn that characters must learn to deal with
strong emotional reactions and Melinda’s journey in the story shows this. From
the beginning to the ending of the story, readers are able to experience how
Melinda overcomes the traumatic event in her life. Speak is an excellent book
and does an excellent job at addressing the topic of rape, parent negligence,
bullying, self- infliction, and courage. I would recommend this book for grades 9 and
up due to the content.
The Strange Case of
Origami Yoda
Angleberger, T. (2010). The strange case of Origami Yoda. NY: Abrams
In this book a sixth grade class shows readers a lot of fun
and laughter. The story is told by Tommy who is skeptical of his classmate Dwight,
who he thinks is kind of weird, because he has a paper finger puppet named Origami
Yoda and believes it can tell what will happen in the future. While it’s hard
to believe that a finger puppet can make predictions, Tommy feels that he must
get to the bottom of it and at the same time would also like to speak to
Origami Yoda and seek his advice on a personal matter. Written like a journal
style, Tommy learns that Yoda has helped other people and the stories are funny.
There are various topics that are addressed in this book such as having a crush, understanding ones self, and having a journal or diary. This book will spark a readers joy and interest. Due to the humorous content it also made it appealing o me as an adult. This book could be used as a sequencing skill, character traits and even sun for students because students can also learn and complete origami after reading.
Other books by the author:
Poop Fountain: The Qwickpick Papers
The Secret of Future Wookie
Darth Paper Strikes Back
There are various topics that are addressed in this book such as having a crush, understanding ones self, and having a journal or diary. This book will spark a readers joy and interest. Due to the humorous content it also made it appealing o me as an adult. This book could be used as a sequencing skill, character traits and even sun for students because students can also learn and complete origami after reading.
Other books by the author:
Poop Fountain: The Qwickpick Papers
The Secret of Future Wookie
Darth Paper Strikes Back
21. Monster
1.
Myers. Walter D. (1999). Monster. NY: Harper
Walter Dean Myers tells the story of Steve
Harmon, a sixteen year old who is on trial for a felony murder. The story is
told from Steve’s point of view and shows how he struggles with the choices he
has made and his reasons for wanting to be part of the group that is no good
for him. He is the lookout for a robbery that goes wrong and admits in a
journal entry that he wanted to be tough like Bobo and Osvaldo and didn’t think
about right or wrong. While he is on trial he begins to question if he is a monster
and decides that he doesn’t want to be viewed as a monster anymore.
Great book for 8th and up for
students who understand that the choices they make can have
unpleasant consequences. It also introduces the
use of the legal system to students and can be used as a great teaching tool
for discussing trials, jurors, the courts, and our legal system
Other books by author:
S I Am
Bad Boy
The Glory Field
Bad Boy
The Glory Field
When You Reach Me
Stead, R. (2009). When you Reach Me. NY:
Yearling
Miranda, the main character of the story is
a middle schooler who is now adjusting to life without her only and best friend
Sal after an incident involving him getting punched by Marcus one day after
school on the way home. Without Sal, Miranda finds friendship with another girl
in her class Annemarie. They begin to work in a sandwich shop with another classmate
during their lunch time and become close. Miranda lives with her single parent,
mom who is practicing to become a contestant on the show 20, 000 Pyramid, and
is helped by her boyfriend. Miranda whose favorite book talks about time travel
is the reason why she and Marcus begin to start having conservations with one
another and weird things begin happening. Later in the book she learns that
Marcus, is the crazy homeless man who goes back in time and is leaving her notes
about the day he will be coming back.
What a great read for students in grades 4-8
to introduce the topic of time travel and allow them the opportunity to delve
into a form of science fiction. It is also a great book that shows the value of
friendship and what it takes to be a good friend.
Book Trailer
The Crossover
Alexander, Kwame. (2014). The Crossover.
Harry Potter and The Cursed Child
Rowling, J.K., Tiffany, J, Thorne, J. (2016). Harry Potter and The Cursed Child. Scholastic
Years later Harry Potter's youngest son, Albus Severus Potter, attends Hogwarts and is worried that he will be placed in Slytherin house much like his father once was at his house sorting. Before leaving he questions and shares his worry but is told he will be loved and that he was named after two great wizards. At Hogwarts, his brother and cousins are placed in Gryffindor and he who already feels like an outcast is placed in Slytherin, which alienates him from his father and best friend Rose. However, his new friend Scorpius, the son of Draco Malfoy is also placed in Slytherin and they become best friends. Albus worried about never living up to his fathers legacy and Scorpius taunted by the rumor of being Lord Voldemort's son push both students closer away from the students and alienates them at Hogwarts. As the years go by Harry is found to have a stronger version of a time turner that will allow him to go back years but will not use it. Albus deceived into using it by Voldemort's daughter who is pretending to be Amos Diggory's niece does and changes the course of history. Realizing what he has done and the horrible mistake he tries to change it before he was never born. In the end everything goes back to normal and Harry and Albus discover that they are more alike and work to fix their relationship.
Harry Potter fan's waited so long for this play turned novel to find what has happened to the Weasley, Granger, Potter children after leaving fans with an epilogue in the last book. The suspense and drama fill every page and kept me up for hours reading just to finish. This New York Times Best Seller is worthy of every award it receives and is a great culmination for the Harry Potter world.
Popular books by author:
Harry Potter series
Author Website
The Crossover
Alexander, Kwame. (2014). The Crossover.
Through poetic words, this young adult novel tells the story
of Josh, a 12 year old star basketball player and student at Reggie Lewis
Middle School. He has an identical twin brother Jordan “JB”, a mom who is the
assistant principal and a dad who is a well-known and respected former basketball
player. The brothers enjoy playing basketball, but it is Josh who wants to be
like his father and has a deep love for the game. In Josh’s world everything is
perfect until JB begins to spend more time with his girlfriend and less time
with him and their dad. Then after an argument and fight JB begins to ignore
Josh. His dad starts to have health issues that cause him to suffer from heart
attacks where one ultimately kills him. It is at the end of the story that the
boys reconcile and realize that they are grateful that they have each other.
I picked this book up on a whim and was pleased to find out
that is was awarded the 2015 Best Fiction for Young Adults. I thought that the
mix of poetic writings and traditional writings allowed for this book to be
such an easy read. Readers who pick up this book will definitely enjoy the deep
family connections the characters have with each other and their common
interests as a family. This book was also heartbreaking and is a great book for
young boys because the story really pulls in the close bond between father and
son.
Other books by Author:
Booked
The Playbook
Percy Jackson's Greek Heroes
Riordan, Rick. Percy Jackson’s Greek Heroes. (2015). Disney Press
A wonderfully well written book that Percy
Jackson tells in his own viewpoints about the answers to the Greek myths. The
12 major gods and goddesses are introduced in a variety of short stories.
Readers learn about how the earth was formed by Gaea and the destruction caused
by the Titans. Through the short stories we also get an intensive guide into
the gods that were mentioned or were characters in the Camp Half-Blood
Chronicles. Percy Jackson uses his voice and personality to put his spin on the
stories about Hera, Medusa, Zeus, and other major gods as told by a demigod.
I love Greek Mythology and this book will
help any child or reader who wants to do more research about Greek Mythology because
it fascinates the. If you’ve read the other Rick Riordan books or even seen the
movies, then you know and understand Percy’s funny, judgmental and sarcastic
style when it comes to the gods of Olympus. The book gives tons of information
to readers and will make them laugh along the way. It is a definite winner by
anyone who enjoys his other books and is a 2016 Quick Pic for Reluctant
Readers.
Isle of the Lost
De La Cruz, Melissa. (2015). The Isle of the Lost. Disney Press.
The teenaged children to the most feared
villians live on the Isle of the Lost after their parents were stripped of
their powers and banished away from the kingdom of Auradon. They have grown up in a dark dreary, cold
place surrounded by a force field and are treated cruelly by their villainous
parents. When they are invited back to Auradon by King Beast’s son Ben, Maleficent
along with Cruella, Jafar, and the Evil Queen see this as a golden opportunity
for their children to do their rotten deeds. Mal, the daughter of Maleficent sets
her sights on retrieving her mother’s Dragon Eye, which is located inside her scepter
in the forbidden fortress on the far side of the island. The kids eventually
find a way to work together as the story unfolds proving that even though they
are evil they can become friends.
This book was written as a prequel to
Disney Channel’s Descendants movie that tells what happens to all the evil villains
in Disney films and where they go. This book will have every Disney fanatic
jumping for joy, especially young adults who grew up on Disney films and
classics and always wondered. This book answers some of the burning what if
questions and gives readers a glimpse into what is in store for the villain
kids and heroes of our favorite princes and princesses in Disney movies. Awarded a 2016 Quick Pic for Reluctant Readers.
Panic
Draper, Sharon. (2013). Panic. Atheneum,
All it takes is one bad decision to change your life forever.
When Diamond, a student at the Crystal Pointe Dance Academy goes to the mall to
purchase some new dance tights, she meets a handsome man who is looking for a
star for his new movie. Diamond agrees to go with him knowing that she shouldn’t
get in the car with a stranger and from that point Diamond’s wonderful life
becomes a nightmare. When Diamond turns up missing and her friends and family
search for her, Draper shows the different reactions by other characters in the
story. The other dancers at the academy like Layla, a dancer whose low self
esteem keeps her in an abusive relationship instead of with a sensitive guy
like Justin, who is a principal male dancer who must overcome the jokes and
taunts from others for being a dancer and Mercedes whose mother controls her
every move. Diamond is trapped, drugged, and sexually abused until she finally
is able to escape her situation.
A wonderfully written novel telling the brutal truths that
can happen to victims especially teenagers who are kidnapped. She has always
had a way of connecting her books to the lives of teenagers like no other
author I know. Her stories are believable and entice even the more reluctant
readers by hitting topics that appeal to readers. It was awarded a 2014 Quick Pic.
Other books written by author:
The Jericho Trilogy
Hazelwood High Trilogy
Out of My Mind
Harry Potter and The Cursed Child
Rowling, J.K., Tiffany, J, Thorne, J. (2016). Harry Potter and The Cursed Child. Scholastic
Years later Harry Potter's youngest son, Albus Severus Potter, attends Hogwarts and is worried that he will be placed in Slytherin house much like his father once was at his house sorting. Before leaving he questions and shares his worry but is told he will be loved and that he was named after two great wizards. At Hogwarts, his brother and cousins are placed in Gryffindor and he who already feels like an outcast is placed in Slytherin, which alienates him from his father and best friend Rose. However, his new friend Scorpius, the son of Draco Malfoy is also placed in Slytherin and they become best friends. Albus worried about never living up to his fathers legacy and Scorpius taunted by the rumor of being Lord Voldemort's son push both students closer away from the students and alienates them at Hogwarts. As the years go by Harry is found to have a stronger version of a time turner that will allow him to go back years but will not use it. Albus deceived into using it by Voldemort's daughter who is pretending to be Amos Diggory's niece does and changes the course of history. Realizing what he has done and the horrible mistake he tries to change it before he was never born. In the end everything goes back to normal and Harry and Albus discover that they are more alike and work to fix their relationship.
Harry Potter fan's waited so long for this play turned novel to find what has happened to the Weasley, Granger, Potter children after leaving fans with an epilogue in the last book. The suspense and drama fill every page and kept me up for hours reading just to finish. This New York Times Best Seller is worthy of every award it receives and is a great culmination for the Harry Potter world.
Popular books by author:
Harry Potter series
Author Website
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