Hiaasen, Carl. Hoot. 2002. Reprint. New York: Yearling, 2005. Print.
Roy is the new kid at his middle school in Florida, but it doesn't take long for him to become involved in a funny yet enlightening ecological mystery. He befriends a runaway teen and his stepsister, and together they fight against the construction and development of a plot of land where endangered miniature owls live. The narrative switches between the students, a police officer, and a construction foreman who all see the situation from different angles. Although the story is simple and there is never really a question of who will win in the lighthearted battle of good vs. evil, Hoot is an informative and enjoyable read. It would be a great book for middle school students or those beginning to read longer novels who are looking for realistic fiction. The pro-ecology message is also evident, which creates a good basis for discussion or tie-in readings. Hoot is an excellent book for younger readers that utilizes suspense, humor, and a well-rounded cast of characters to appeal to a variety of different interests.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Wintergirls
Anderson, Laurie Halse. Wintergirls. Chicago: Speak, 2010. Print.
Laurie Halse Anderson demonstrates her skill in creating complex characters dealing with difficult issues, just as she did in Speak, in this novel. Readers follow the poetic and haunting voice of Lia, a high school student whose anorexia dictates every action she takes. She switches through various treatments and deftly goes beneath the radar of her parents as the voices and motives in her head perpetuate her disorder. She also has a competitive history with her ex-best friend that causes guilt and haunting memories. As Lia's weight plunges, readers see every twist and turn that makes her think and act as she does. The book is well written and gives great insight into the mind of teenagers, but it would be difficult to analyze or discuss the issues in the book without getting very personal or heavy. The book would be best for high school students or even parents of teens looking to learn more about eating disorders or get a different perspective on the psyche of adolescents.
Laurie Halse Anderson demonstrates her skill in creating complex characters dealing with difficult issues, just as she did in Speak, in this novel. Readers follow the poetic and haunting voice of Lia, a high school student whose anorexia dictates every action she takes. She switches through various treatments and deftly goes beneath the radar of her parents as the voices and motives in her head perpetuate her disorder. She also has a competitive history with her ex-best friend that causes guilt and haunting memories. As Lia's weight plunges, readers see every twist and turn that makes her think and act as she does. The book is well written and gives great insight into the mind of teenagers, but it would be difficult to analyze or discuss the issues in the book without getting very personal or heavy. The book would be best for high school students or even parents of teens looking to learn more about eating disorders or get a different perspective on the psyche of adolescents.
Will Grayson Will Grayson
Green, John, and David Levithan. Will Grayson, Will Grayson. New York: Dutton Juvenile, 2010. Print.
In Will Grayson, Will Grayson, two characters with the same name tell their stories in alternating chapters written by Green and Levithan. One Will Grayson is moody and pessimistic, struggling to come out to his mom and unable to make friends at school. The other's life is defined by his best friend Tiny Cooper, a larger-than-life presence whose positivity and self-assurance drive the story. When an unlikely romance begins between Tiny and the first Will, the paths of the characters intersect and all gain new insights to identity, love, and friendship. The culmination comes with Tiny's autobiographical and self-written school musical, bringing his message to the entire community.
The book is quirky, fun, and easy to read and understand. The content is most appropriate for high school students, most of whom could find an aspect of the book to identify with and enjoy. The messages about optimism, pessimism, and our purposes in life are well placed and refreshing to read. Although the book may not be rife with content and complexity for a classroom selection, it is a great piece of reality fiction for free reading or general recommendations.
In Will Grayson, Will Grayson, two characters with the same name tell their stories in alternating chapters written by Green and Levithan. One Will Grayson is moody and pessimistic, struggling to come out to his mom and unable to make friends at school. The other's life is defined by his best friend Tiny Cooper, a larger-than-life presence whose positivity and self-assurance drive the story. When an unlikely romance begins between Tiny and the first Will, the paths of the characters intersect and all gain new insights to identity, love, and friendship. The culmination comes with Tiny's autobiographical and self-written school musical, bringing his message to the entire community.
The book is quirky, fun, and easy to read and understand. The content is most appropriate for high school students, most of whom could find an aspect of the book to identify with and enjoy. The messages about optimism, pessimism, and our purposes in life are well placed and refreshing to read. Although the book may not be rife with content and complexity for a classroom selection, it is a great piece of reality fiction for free reading or general recommendations.
Octavian Nothing
Anderson, M.T.. The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume One: The Pox Party. Cambridge: Candlewick, 2008. Print.
Octavian Nothing tells the story of a young African-American boy raised by a group of men, the College, in colonial Boston. As he grows older, Octavian begins to realize that he and his mother are actually subjects of scientific study about race and intellectual capacity. Support for the College's pursuits begins to dwindle as political unrest in the colonies heightens, and Octavian becomes aware of life outside his home and the hardships of slavery. This is the first volume of two, and Octavian's fate remains uncertain.
The book is written in eighteenth century prose, switching between Octavian's voice and various letters and articles. It is complex, historical, and difficult to understand at first. Octavian's story, emotions, and struggles make for a compelling narrative, but the density of information and classical language would probably be challenging for most teens. After reading a few chapters and becoming accustomed to the style, however, the novel is very rewarding. This could be a good book for an entire class to analyze and read together, perhaps in conjunction with a unit in colonial history.
Octavian Nothing tells the story of a young African-American boy raised by a group of men, the College, in colonial Boston. As he grows older, Octavian begins to realize that he and his mother are actually subjects of scientific study about race and intellectual capacity. Support for the College's pursuits begins to dwindle as political unrest in the colonies heightens, and Octavian becomes aware of life outside his home and the hardships of slavery. This is the first volume of two, and Octavian's fate remains uncertain.
The book is written in eighteenth century prose, switching between Octavian's voice and various letters and articles. It is complex, historical, and difficult to understand at first. Octavian's story, emotions, and struggles make for a compelling narrative, but the density of information and classical language would probably be challenging for most teens. After reading a few chapters and becoming accustomed to the style, however, the novel is very rewarding. This could be a good book for an entire class to analyze and read together, perhaps in conjunction with a unit in colonial history.
It's Kind of a Funny Story
Vizzini, Ned. It's Kind of a Funny Story. Miramax, 2007. Print.
Craig is a smart teen in New York who is accepted into a prestigious high school after acing a citywide exam. The new pressures and unfamiliar environment send him into a cycle of depression that eventually lands him in the psychiatric ward of a hospital. He meets many entertaining patients and becomes very self-aware as the book progresses. His progress and amazing actions are almost unbelievable, but Craig's voice is truly the highlight of the novel. He is perceptive, funny, ironic, and completely immersed in the struggles of being a teenager. Reading about his depression makes it impossible to avoid thinking about others who face the same struggles, which could be very beneficial for teen readers. The book has a good amount of complexity and mature issues for high school students. It was a great read and Vizzini's writing would easily grab the attention of a classroom of readers.
Craig is a smart teen in New York who is accepted into a prestigious high school after acing a citywide exam. The new pressures and unfamiliar environment send him into a cycle of depression that eventually lands him in the psychiatric ward of a hospital. He meets many entertaining patients and becomes very self-aware as the book progresses. His progress and amazing actions are almost unbelievable, but Craig's voice is truly the highlight of the novel. He is perceptive, funny, ironic, and completely immersed in the struggles of being a teenager. Reading about his depression makes it impossible to avoid thinking about others who face the same struggles, which could be very beneficial for teen readers. The book has a good amount of complexity and mature issues for high school students. It was a great read and Vizzini's writing would easily grab the attention of a classroom of readers.
Hurricane Song
Volponi, Paul. Hurricane Song. New York: Viking Juvenile, 2008. Print.
Paul Volponi's novel Hurricane Song follows the story of Miles, a 16-year-old boy who recently moved to New Orleans to live with his dad. Just a few months after he arrives, Hurricane Katrina rips through the city, displacing Miles, his dad, and his uncle. They are taken to the Superdome where they witness the mounting frustration and rage of thousands of people when food, water, and care are impossible to find. This deterioration of spirits continues as Miles encounters looting and violence. He and his dad must redefine their relationship and make a new life after the harrowing days of the storm and recovery.
This immediately struck me as a good book for reluctant readers, specifically males. It is relatively short and written in a simple style through the eyes of an observant and relatable male protagonist. There is a lot of dialogue written in the vernacular which may raise objections about grammar, but the overall effect is very realistic and grounded. The pain and suffering caused by the hurricane is extremely evident, and it was interesting to see a novel portray the more human side of a natural disaster and huge news story.
Paul Volponi's novel Hurricane Song follows the story of Miles, a 16-year-old boy who recently moved to New Orleans to live with his dad. Just a few months after he arrives, Hurricane Katrina rips through the city, displacing Miles, his dad, and his uncle. They are taken to the Superdome where they witness the mounting frustration and rage of thousands of people when food, water, and care are impossible to find. This deterioration of spirits continues as Miles encounters looting and violence. He and his dad must redefine their relationship and make a new life after the harrowing days of the storm and recovery.
This immediately struck me as a good book for reluctant readers, specifically males. It is relatively short and written in a simple style through the eyes of an observant and relatable male protagonist. There is a lot of dialogue written in the vernacular which may raise objections about grammar, but the overall effect is very realistic and grounded. The pain and suffering caused by the hurricane is extremely evident, and it was interesting to see a novel portray the more human side of a natural disaster and huge news story.
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