Book Review- Dark Son

Book Review



Grimes, Nikki., Dark Sons, Zandervan, 2010, ISBN- 9780786818884

This novel is presented in  two stories a modern day version and a biblical version.  The  two teen males Ishmael (biblical)  and Sam (Modern day).  The plot shares the Abraham and Sarah story.  Ishmael have in relationship problems with his father and Sam experiencing relationship issues of today like his parents divorcing and his farther remarrying.  The two boy experiences  feelings of abandonment, anger, and uncertainty which makes it had for them to embrace the changes that has be brought to the through no fault of their own.  Grimes stretched with this novel and insisted her readers come along for the ride.  Grimes used a short verse format which made the book easy to read.  This novel deals with a great deal of emotions " point out the words where God says divorce is no biggie,  that you can dump your wife and kid and walk away and that's okay."  These two boys are growing up they are different but experience similar issues.  Grimes make this book hard to explain if there is no biblical background but easy to understand the real to life concerns.  Teen with the same or similar issues may find this book helpful.

"Compelling as a work in its own right"  The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Both lyrical and powerful" Publishers Weekly

" Challenged readers can admire and learn from these stories of " School Library Journal

Awards

Coetta Scott King Book Award, 2006
Young Reader's Choice Award 2008
Garden State Teen Book Award 2008

Discussion questions

1.  How  would you explain the book to someone else?
2.  Are the feelings that Ishmael and Sam experience valid?
3.  How are Ishmael and Sam similar and different?
4.  How are the emotions of Ishmael and Sam enhance?

Book Review- Keesha's House

Book Review- Keesha's House

 



Frost, Helen., Keesha's House, Frances Foster Books/Farrar, Straus and Giroux, New York, 2003. ISBN-9780374400125

This well put together book shares the life seven teens struggling to make sense of the world and the circumstances the have been put into.  Keesha a high school student who finds this house as safe shelter to escape her drunk abusive father.  The house is not owned by Keesha but by Joe a young man that grew up there with his grandmother.  After Joe's grandmothers death he wanted to honor her by helping others, Joe allowed his home to serve as a refuge for troubled teens.  Keesha who is receiving help for Joe also reaches out the help others who need a place to go.  These teens are experiencing abuse, pregnancy,drinking, homosexuality, addiction and more.  Frost nicely presented this novel in a poetic style.  The seven teens share their stories using sentinas and sonnets.  Frost captured the readers attention and kept it.  Frost uses good descriptive language in each poem that stirs the readers emotions,  Sometimes I Wonder- by Carmen "sometimes it seem like it don't matter if you lie or tell the truth people pick what that want to believe" Carmen is in a bit of despair, and appears to have little or no fighting power.   "Grandmama believes me, that I want to try.  She says , Girl, no matter what you do, I keep believin' in you"  these statements makes it easy for the reader to see Carmen and feel what she is going through.  Frost brings each one of the characters to life by revealing real to life issues that teens face.  This is a easy short read and may offer understanding or lesson about for other teens.

"Impressive" Kirkus Reviews

"Spare, eloquent, and elegantly concise." VOYA

"Frost has taken the poem- story to a new level with well crafted sestinas and sonnets leading readers into the souls and psyches of her teen protagonists" School Library Journal

Awards

Micheal L. Printz  Award. 2004
White Ravens Award. 2004
Blue Hen Book Award. 2005
Garden State Teen Book. 2006
South Carolina Young Adult Award. 2006

Discussion Questions from Farrar Straus Giroux Discussion Guide

1. When reading the book, were you aware of the poetic forms being used? Whether or not you were conscious of it, how did the rhythm and line breaks affect your reading of the book?

2. Did you begin to recognize and differentiate between the individual voices?

3. The author has divided the book into eight parts. Why do you think she did that? How would you define the mood in each part? Describe how the mood changes as the book progresses.

4. You learn that the house is really Joe’s. Why does it become known as Keesha’s house?

5. Look for dynamic and static characters in the book (those who change as opposed to those who don’t). Select and compare three or four of the characters. What difficulty is each facing? How has it affected his/her life? Imagine what might become of the character in the future.

6. Choose a poem from the book that you enjoy, and explore it in depth. What is the poetic form? What is the rhyme scheme? Does the author use imagery, metaphor, simile, or dialect in the poem?

7. Select an excerpt to read as a monologue, or, with a group, act out a part of the book as a play.

Book Review - Stop Pretending

Stop Pretending

Sones,Sonya., Stop Pretending, Harper Collins, New York, 2000, ISBN- 9780064462181

This is a unique piece of information presented in a poem format.  A 13 year-old girl, Cookie experiences her sister entering into a manic episode on Christmas Eve.  The older sister screams, and hears voices and eventually she was hospitalized.  This book is narrated by the 13 year old Cookie in  first person.  Cookie is fearful, embarrassed, and lacks understanding of what and why her family is experiencing such a mishap. Cookies parents drift apart in their on way only focusing on their oldest daughters illness. Cookie meets a young boy who helps her learn to cope with this misfortune by writing. Eventually Cookies sister recovers.  Sones base this novel on her personal experience as a child.  The author used short poems but with very powerful  meanings "When I was lost,/you were the one/who found me./Now you're the one/who's lost,/ and I can't find you anywhere."  This book is not just a book but an informational session that provides hope to others that may have love ones suffering from mental illness, and share experiences that families may face. This is a good book.

" This is one of the most beautiful and most disturbing books aimed at young people that I have ever read."
Children's Literature

"Based on Sones' own family experience, this debut novel shows the capacity of poetry " Booklist

" Individually, the poems appear simple and unremarkable, snapshot portraita of two sisters, a family, unfaithful friends, and a sweet first love." Kirkus

Awards

Christopher Award, 2000
Myra Cohn Livingston Award for Poetry. 2000
Maine Student Book Award 2001
Evergreen Young Adult Book Award 2002

Questions for discussion from Stop Pretending's reading group guide

1.		How do you think you would react to finding out that someone you knew had mental illness? Were you surprised by Molly and Kate’s reaction?
2.		Can you think of any situation in which you wish you had been a better friend?
3.		Is there anyone in your family who is throwing the whole rest of the family off kilter? How do you feel about that person?
4.		What are some ways you can support a friend who is going through a hard time?
5.		What are some ways you can support a family member who is going through a hard time

Book Review - The Book Thief

The Book Thief





Zusak, Markus., The Book Thief, Alfred A. Knopf, 2006, New York ISBN- 9780375831003

This is a detailed story narrated by death and mimics poetry.  This novel is about a young girl name Liesel.  The setting takes place in World War II.  Liesel mother is no longer able to care for her and her brother as a result  Liesel and her brother must have foster care, on the way to their new home Liesel's brother dies and has to be buried.  Liesel is encourage to steal for fun by her neighbor Rudy.  Liesel enjoys reading the books that she steals by using them to escape her life.  Zusak uses fiction to introduce a strong young lady that faces uncontrollable situations and use the only coping skills she knows,  Zusak uses the WWII setting but the main character Liesel face some of the same issues that today's teens face.  Zusak reveals Liesel having encounters with a separated family, death, loneliness, violence,racism, finding comfort, and peer pressure "At school , Rudy made a special point of seeking Liesel out during the breaks.  He didn't care that others made noises about the new girls stupidity"Liesel was a victim of people she knew and people she did not know.  The author's story is revealed through reading   a young girl finds the strength to rise above her stressful life and find happiness.  The narrator which is death contributes to a bit of confusion to the novel by entering in and out and presenting his problem of been haunted by humans as he gathers souls of the dead as he continues to tell Liesel's story.  Zusak reveals that both Liesel and Death learn lessons of endurance, inflicting, bestowing, and accomplishing from sadness.  This piece of work  reveals desuetude but offers hope, this is a good read for older teens.




"Outstanding"  Children's Book and Play Review

"Struck with this books uniqueness"  Children's Literature

" Unforgettable Novel"  Cooperative Children's Book Center Choices

" The writing is elegant, philosophical and moving. Even at its length, it's a work to read solely and savor"  Kirkus Reviews

Awards

Parent's Choice Award 2006

American Booksellers Book Sense Book of the Year (ABBY) Award 2007

Garden State Teen Book Award 2009

Indigo Teen Read Award 2010

Essay Questions

1  Why do Max and Liesel become friends?  What do they have in common?

2. When Liesel reads reads aloud to the others in the bomb shelter for the first time, a voice inside her says   "This is your accordion" what does that mean?

3. Why does death tell Liesel that it is "haunted" by humans?

Book Review- Copper Sun

Copper Sun



Draper, Sharon M., Copper Sun, Atheneum Books 2006, New York, ISBN- 9780689821813


Draper does a remarkable job creating this historical fiction novel.  Amari a 15 year old girl experiences slavery in great depth.  Amari is forced from her home and put into slavery, her family murdered.
Amari experiences humiliation through no fault of her own, and is given to her slavery masters son only for labor and sexual exploitation.  Amari experiences rape, verbal and physical abuse senseless killings,and child birth.  Amari become friends with a white girl named Polly and Tidbit and a few more oppressed people that helped Amari cope with her situation.  Even though Amari's life is a living hell she still had hope and a bit of fight in her soul " Amari took a deep breath closed her eyes, and this time it was her turn to spit.  She spat directly in his face.  Clay roared and slapped her so hard that her head bounced back against the tree trunk.  Amari glared at him Amari struggle against the ropes. she had never been so  angry.If he hurt Tidbit, she would kill him she vowed" Amari begins to draw on her strength and will to live and escape.  Draper does a great job producing realistic situations for her fictional characters, she captures racism, abuse, violence, family loss, and relationships the same elements that today's teens face.  Draper presented factual events of slavery holding nothing back.  Draper is very descriptive and leaves nothing to the imagination.  Draper is clever in revealing each characters strengths and weaknesses and using their uniqueness to build friendships.  Although the situation the characters face are extreme the self-worth and visions they have  may be empowering to a teen in a less favorable situation.



" A searing work of historical fiction that will eave readers breathless, even as they consider the story's larger questions about the infinite costs of slavery and how to reconcile history"  Booklist, starred review

"This action packed, multifaceted, character rich story describes the shocking realities of the slave trade and plantation life while portraying the perseverance, resourcefulness, and triumph of the human spirit."  School Library journal, starred review

" Draper has captured the essence of teens caught up in peer pressure who must ultimately live with the results of their actions.  Her characters are deeply human a compelling read."  School Library Journal

Awards

 Coretta Scott King Book Awards 2007
 Heartland Award for Excellence in Children's Literature 2007
 Ohioana Book Awards 2007

Discussion Questions

1. The very first page just before chapter one, tells of a slave sale and hoe it must feel to be fifteen years old, stripped naked, and standing on the auction block.  Describe the feelings and fears of the girl being sold.  What predictions can the reader make about the girl and the rest of the story?

2. Explain the title of the novel.  Why does the title have more than one possible interpretation?  Find several examples of references to "copper sun" within the story.

3. How is the relationship between Amari and her parents, and her brother and how does the strength of her family make a difference in her life?

Book Review- 33 Things

Book Review - 33 Things Every Girl Should know




Bolden, Tonya., 33 Things Every Girl Should Know, Crown Publishers, 1998, New York, ISBN- 9780517709368

This title is  very catchy and misleading however the book's cover offers a better understanding of the  by listing the names of 33 women who share their personal information.  This creatively well put together collection of information offers a wealth of diversity, through a collection of poems, essays, short stories, photos, drawings, and humor.  Judith Ortiz Cofer's Seize The Day provides thought provoking moments that can relax and revitalizes ones mind a passage that stood out was "step outside and breathe deeply.  Take in the smells of life, good and foul.  Remember this day is a gift" Cofer  gracefully showed us how  to seize the day in this passage.
Envision by Vera Wang shares her experiences having vision, working through obstacles, and entrepreneurship.  Mary Catherine Bateson reveals her views on loneliness in her work of Some Solitude Is Good " A lot of girls are taught to feel vulnerable when they are alone, even at home.  A lot of girls grow up expecting to find to find fulfillment only in being with others.  But being alone is apart of being your own" Bateson holds no punches in revealing a bit of self worth.  Bolden displays humor, honesty, wisdom, self worth, education, and relationships through the eyes of 33 women.  Bolden shows how famous and successful women struggle and explored coping magnetisms to help with the teen years. The author created a realistic collection of information by using real people with real problems and concerns.  The information shared was empowering to  the lives of teens and young adults alike.  The author did a splended job at gaining the audience's attention and keeping it.

"This excellent collection brings together the voices and art of some of our time's best and brightest."  Booklist

"A terribly earnest collection of advice that ranges from preachy to peachy"  Kirkus Reviews

" It's a mixing bag of inspiration, advice, fiction, and personal history be a wide variety of notable women"  KLIATT Review

Winner 1999 ALA Best Book for Young Adults

Actvities

1. Before reading the book keep a journal for two or three weeks about visions, plans, obstacals, relationships, self-worth and reflect.

2. After reading the compare the information shared by these 33 women to your information.  What are some simiularties and diffierences?  What can you relate to on a personal level?

3.  Choose a piece of your work and have your classmates to do the same and create a book simular to this  to share with other teens.

Elsewhere

Book Review

 

Zevin, Gabrielle,. Elsewhere, May 2007, Square Fish, ISBN- 9780312367466

 

Liz is a teenage girl that is killed in an car accident.  Liz founds herself somewhere that reminds her of earth but it is not earth.  Liz is confused but  this place is very pleasant and no one appears to be growing old but Liz know this is strange and not to happy about this situation all Liz has on her mind is turning sixteen,  Liz meets family members died before they was born.  Liz misses her friends and life as she knew it.  Liz asks about God and is told he is the same she never really gets complete answers or clarity.  The characters are realistic and Liz just wants who other teens wants and that's to have another birthday and the be with friends and in control.  Zevin revealed some common teen issues even for a teen after death.

 

 

 

 

Awarded- Best Book of the Year - School Library Journal

 

 

 

 

"Even readers who have strong views on what happens after death may find themselves intriged by the fascinating world of Elsewhere" Janis Flint- Ferguson 

 

"Loosely reminiscent of Greek myths"- School Library Journal

 

"Gabrielle Zevin has constructed a fascinating 'what if?' Great humor and speculation, on pets as well as people." - Chicago Tribune

 

 

 

 

Activity before reading the book

 

Imagine that you have experienced an out of body experience explain what you think would happened.

 

Discuss any information you are familiar with about life after death,such as your believes, thoughts, etc..