Amelia Earhart: This Broad Ocean by Sarah Steward Taylor and James Strum
This book is written for grade 2 to grade 9. This book will appeal to students who like graphic novel and like learning about Amelia Earhart epic journey. The particular strength of the book is that it gives an important topic of discussion on the parts of the books. It also provides other suggested reading to accompany the book. The weakness of the book is that the color of illustration and graphic is blue and white with very little dialog. I wish it had more text about Amelia Earhart journey and more historical facts about her journey across the oceans. The cover of the book is beautiful with a picture of Amelia Earhart. That illustration is excellent.
Verdict: This book caters more for elementary grade students. There are better books on Amelia Earhart that a librarian could get. Don’t get it unless you are buying it for younger children to start learning about Amelia Earhart
Interesting span of grade levels. I'm not surprised that it leans more heavily towards one end. That would be very difficult to write a book that appeals to students age 8-14. I have yet to read a graphic novel for information.
I also reviewed a graphic form for this category and found that although it was written for older grades, it clearly catered to elementary students. Interesting.
SLJ has this novel listed as 9th grade and up; however, it definitely has an audience in older middle schoolers who may be beginning to struggle with eating disorders.
The author is the daughter of a writer, and together they did their best to reconstruct the events of her teen years into a comprehensive memoir. Starting from her experience being raped at 13 at a party (not described in any detail), to her ongoing brutal inner monologue who routinely curses her out for eating and gaining weight, readers will gain a first-hand experience of what it means to have anorexia. Particular of note is to what extremes Elena goes to not only hide her disorder, but to deny that she has it at all. She does not begin to heal until she finally admits that she has a problem. Readers will also get a first-hand perspective of what various treatment clinics are like, as Elena jumps from site to site in her ongoing struggles throughout the years.
Weaknesses to the story are mostly due to language and mild party / drinking scenes and miscarriage as Elena gets older and goes to college. I personally felt that the inappropriate content has a place in providing students a valuable life lesson as to the life-long consequences of anorexia; a lot of which I had no prior knowledge of.
Special considerations: Military families, nursing school, learning about anorexia and its effects.
Verdict: A valid perspective to be represented for mature and/or specialized middle school audiences, and definitely appropriate for high school.
Interesting. They actually discussed anorexia in my health classes in high school. Do you know any any other books on anorexia that might be more appropriate for middle school, as eating disorders often begin before high school?
Book title: Life in motion: An unlikely ballerina by Misty Copeland
The audience for whom this autobiography is written is most likely teens and young adults. This book will certainly appeal to middle school and high school girls especially those who are dancers. I can also see that African American teens might also be interested in reading about a success story from their cultural group.
Strengths – Copeland has written an honest retelling of her experiences as the first African American ballerina soloist dancing for the American Ballet Theater. She is considered a prodigy as she first took up dance at age 13 and quickly found herself in toe shoes or “on pointe” which typically takes years of study to reach that level. She tells of her upbringing in Southern California moving from home to home as her mother moved from man to man, and she describes her introduction to ballet which did not always go smoothly and in fact was quite tumultuous at times. Another strength is that Copeland included a number of photographs to allow the reader to see the faces of the most important people and moments in her story. Finally, this is a book that details the life of a role model for girls and boys of color who may be having trouble following their dreams. At the same time, this is also a great text for Caucasian teens to see a predominantly white field with an African American leading one of the most prestigious dance companies.
Weaknesses – One might argue that Copeland is a bit long-winded, but I feel she has included important events and reflections about those events as they all come together to make her the person she is today.
Special considerations – One of Copeland’s intents is to introduce ballet to those who know little to nothing about it. She has learned that there are children who have never heard about this form of dance, especially children of color. More importantly, she imparts a message of strength and courage for children of color to do what they are meant to do. For her it was entering the white world of ballet in which she has encountered repeated discrimination and racism. Copeland shares her reflections on race and what it means to be in the minority. Also worth noting is that she overcame poverty during her perseverance to become a ballerina, another reflection of her strength and character.
My verdict: Children and teens of color do not have enough books about upstanding people from their cultural groups which makes this book a must-have for any library wanting to reflect a multicultural community.
Bomb: The Race to Build - and Steal - the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon Author: Steve Sheinkin
As students get older nonfiction can be a much harder sell. The books get bigger and the topics more dense. They become more like textbooks. So when a nonfiction book reads like a novel it’s one that should be in every media center. This is the story of the Manhattan Project from its first conception through the effects on the people involved after it was released. It not only looks at what was happening in the US, but in Russia and Germany and how it really was a race filled with tension, spying, espionage and danger. The way it’s written is less text book and more novel. The players are so well fleshed out that you truly understand who they are and the choices they made. The set up for the secretive nature is fully explained and mixed with the tension that must have been felt. Oppenheim, the central figure in the designing of the bomb, becomes someone you know and care about. The story of the builders in humanized through him especially after learning what happens to his life in later years.
The book is in a larger more square formal filled with actual photographs, diagrams, maps etc., so for readers who need that to really be hooked will find plenty to use. The strength is – these are used to enhance the written portion not to be in place of it. So you have to read; you cannot just look at the pictures.
For students who do not have much background on the Manhattan Project it will give them a rich full understanding of what went into building, but also how it affected those involved when they realized what they had done. For students who know their history it will provide them with a non-texbook look at an amazing group of men and women and how they changed the world.
Final verdict: Even those who don’t love nonfiction will read this Newbery Honor book. Once book talked it will find a solid audience in a middle or high school.
Thanks for an introduction to this book. I have to admit that the title is a great hook with that "and steal" insert. It captured my attention immediately. Its good to know that the rest of the book is as intriguing. I agree that older non-fiction is a harder sell. So many students head to online documentaries and you tube to find information these days, the books have a hard time competing.
Code Talker is the memoir of Chester Nez, a WWII veteran who served in the Marines as a Navajo code talker in the South Pacific. The book is co-written by Judith Schiess Avila, a code talker scholar, who conducted extensive interviews with Nez and his family. Although the book was written for adults, it may be enjoyed by high school students, especially those with an interest in the military and the history of communications technologies.
The strengths of the book are the intimate details about military service for the Navajos and the significance of service after years of “white washing” their heritage away in boarding schools. This is a phenomenal account of extraordinary service: to create a code language, to commit it to memory, to demonstrate its effectiveness under scrutiny, and to put it into action on the battle field. There is action, reflection, and spiritual cleansing in this novel that will intrigue many.
The weakness of the book is the merging of two voices Nez’s account is filtered through the scholar Avila who recounts his tale as he tells it “first hand.” There were parts of the telling that sounded too literary, and I had to ask myself, does Nez really talk like that? It is possible, but it felt awkward. I imagine most high school students will not notice this. Another weakness is the level of detail about military matters, which may be tedious to some and absolutely fascinating to others.
Special considerations: Nez shares the Navajo people’s cultural values, their philosophy of “The Right Way,” and of the healing ceremony that helped restore Nez after his military service. The descriptions of the blessings, the significance of the medicine bag, the sweat lodge, and the purging ceremony are precious and profound.
Verdict: Fascinate and surprise young adult readers about a top-secret WWII communications project led by Native Americans. This book is a must-have for your historical non-fiction section. It honors Native American people’s contributions to WW II victories in the South Pacific; it magnifies little known episodes of American history; and delivers a message of humility and perseverance.
Intended audience: This book is written for teenagers who are curious about sex, whether or not they are having it or plan to have it.
Audience to whom it may appeal: Although the content may appeal to a younger audience, I think would be difficult to convince a K-8 or younger library to carry this book. It could also appeal to adults who have lingering questions about sex. (I learned a lot I didn’t know!)
Strengths: This book is very straightforward with facts, figures and clear explanations. It is also inclusive of various sexualities and gender identities. The author incorporates humor as well, which could help to alleviate some of the awkwardness of reading such a book. There are also many resources (websites, phone numbers) for learning more about safe sex including the possibility of STIs and teen pregnancy.
Weaknesses: The cover, style, and content of this book could be construed as giving permission or even promoting teens to have sex. There is also the potential for bits and pieces (chapter titles, cartoons) of the book to be taken out of context and misconstrued. Although the purpose of the book is to inform, I can foresee potential challenges to its forthright (and potentially encouraging) nature.
Special considerations: Clear explanations of sex in all of its variations including GLBT, as well as thorough objective descriptions of the spectrum of gender identities. This may be a book that, although not labeled “reference,” might not wander far from its shelf, though incurring frequent perusal from curious patrons.
VERDICT: Although the chance of challenge might be high, I would still promote the selection of this book in a high school media center. It is a humorous look at an awkward topic and has the potential to be extremely informative in an area that is often considered taboo. I think that the (mostly) objective explanatory style of the book would be an excellent addition to the library collection.
“This Star Won’t Go Out: The Life and Words of Esther Grade Earl” by Esther Earl
“This Star Won’t Go Out: The Life and Words of Esther Grade Earl” by Esther Earl is a collection of journal entries, letters, poems, art, and pictures by Esther Earl, a teenager who was diagnosed with cancer when she was twelve and died at the age of sixteen. Though she is mostly known because YA author John Green dedicated his best-selling novel “The Fault in Our Stars” to her, she should be known as a brave girl who loved and helped others despite facing death.
The book features Esther’s writings and art starting when she was a toddler to right before her death. She wasn’t writing for any audience per say, but her parents published the book to encourage and inspire other teens and to fulfill Esther’s dream of becoming an author. This book will appeal to fans of John Green because of his relationship with Esther, his dedication to her, and the lengthy introduction he wrote for this book. It would also appeal to teens dealing with cancer themselves or those that know someone fighting cancer. Esther was also very active online in her life, so teens involved in the same or similar groups (Nerdfighters and Catitude) might want to read more about her.
Strengths: Esther was an excellent example for teens of how to deal with bad things with positivity, strength, dignity, and love. Her words and the essays from others that knew her show what an inspiring young woman Esther was. While this memoir/scrapbook is a tearjerker, it is also funny. Esther’s dry sense of humor comes through and makes you laugh out loud. Esther was also extremely active in online communities and this book shows the power these groups have for teens to stay connected.
Weaknesses: The biggest weakness of this title is that it is a bit disjointed, as it does not have a flowing narrative. Those that are looking for a narrative might not enjoy it. While it was positively reviewed by respected journals, personal reviews often remark that it was only published because of John Green and that while Esther is inspiring, this book wasn’t “necessary.”
Special Considerations: A teenager who dies from cancer wrote this book. It is a very emotional read. It may be difficult for some students to read. In addition to writing about her cancer, Esther is a spiritual person and she writes about God and her beliefs.
Verdict: As long as “The Fault in Our Stars” is popular, this nonfiction memoir is a good choice to have in a middle or high school collection as a companion.
Lucy Long Ago tells the story of one of the biggest scientific discoveries of the 20th century: the uncovering of “Lucy”: the “oldest, most complete fossil skeleton ever found.” The book begins with the discovery of the bones in 1974 and traces the scientific research that followed. It is an intriguing combination of science and imagination written in an engaging narrative style.
Intended audience: Elementary or middle school students interested in evolution, science, anthropology or just generally curious about the world we live in.
Audience to whom it may appeal: This book has the potential to engage young and old audience alike with it’s clear explanations, vivid graphics and images and accessible story structure.
Strengths: Though the book is nonfiction, it is written in a narrative style so it has the potential to appeal to a variety of readers as informative as well as entertaining. The pictures and graphics are well done and help the reader to better understand the scientific research that went into Lucy’s discovery and subsequent theories about the history of humanity.
Weaknesses: Some of the science jargon could be a bit off-putting to lower level readers or those with minimal science education. In a way, it might be considered a challenge to creationism, which might bring about requests for removal in certain districts.
Special considerations: This book very much describes science consistent with Darwin (and others’) theory of evolution and could potentially face challenges from parents who prefer their children to focus on their religious teachings of creationism.
VERDICT: I think Lucy Long Ago would make an excellent addition to any elementary, middle or even high school library. Its unique content, vivid graphics and images and narrative style make it a great book for kids of all ages.
I read this book too. "IT" hooked me right away. I really like that when the author is using words that may be unfamiliar to the reader, she has a good, in-depth definition on the same page as the word is used. I found that to be really helpful (or you can look in the back of the glossary). I find it so fascinating that these scientists can find these bones, scattered all over, millions of years ago, and piece them together. To the point that they can determine gender, narrow down age, and if she could walk or not. I love the part in the book that says "And the bones said..." The photographs are awesome! I think this book would be a great addition to any middle or high school library.
My Anxious Mind: A Teen’s Guide to Managing Anxiety and Panic (Informational) By: Michael A. Thompkins, PhD, and Katherine Martinez, PsyD Illustrated by Michael Sloan
Audience for whom the book is written: teens in grades 8-10
To whom would this book appeal?: This book would appeal to students in middle or high school. It would appeal to those struggling with anxiety as well as anyone interested in learning more about stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues. It would also appeal to adults who support teens with these challenges.
Summary: the book is part informative with a counseling feel to it and part practical activities that teens can use to manage their own panic and anxiety. The authors introduce a variety of topics, from overgeneralizations, to the mind-body connection, to medication, and beyond.
Strengths: This book does a commendable job of explaining mental health disorders in a way that is teen-friendly yet very smart and thought-provoking. It normalizes their struggles and feelings, recognizes that panic and anxiety are not always easy to manage, while empowering students at the same time. The overarching message is “don’t let your anxiety take over your life.”
Weaknesses: In terms of including it in a library media center, a weakness may lie in the fact that some of the exercises make the book better suited to consumption/ ownership (fill in the blanks, journaling.) Students can modify and complete the exercises in a journal/ notebook, but many may be more likely to complete them effectively if they could write in the book. Special considerations: The book includes some simple black and white illustrations that correlate to each chapter’s title. While it reads like a resource book in some ways, it is best read as a whole because of the way the topics progress and connect to one another. It includes many charts/ graphs/ visuals that students can copy and refer to often. This would also be a good fit for students to read together in a small group (e.g. social/ emotional group facilitated by school counselor, social worker, or psychologist.)
Verdict: I would include a copy of this book in both a middle school and high school library. As the book points out, roughly one in twenty teens deals with extreme worry, panic, and phobias. As a school counselor, I can attest to the fact that the level of anxiety in our students is increasing every year, with more and more students being hospitalized for anxiety-related issues. My guess would be that students who check out the book due to personal struggles and really want to dive in may follow up by purchasing the book on their own in order to refer back to it often and complete the exercises as well as highlight or otherwise note the passages/ exercises they find most helpful.
Having a son that deals with anxiety, I'm glad to see something like this included in a library collection. I think it's important to make sure with cover issues like this for kids who struggle with it. Thanks for sharing this one.
Stress, anxiety, and the like are issues that I am seeing at an elementary level- mental illness does not discriminate on age. I was hoping you would recommend this book for an elementary library as well. It is extremely difficult to find age appropriate materials on these extremely delicate topics.
Dustee- I think it would be appropriate for some upper elementary; the vocabulary would be a stretch for younger readers though some of the activities could be used to facilitate a group with elementary aged students.
The Building of the Transcontinental Railroad By Nathan Olson
This book is in graphic format. I was expecting a somewhat dry and childish approach to the content but the graphics and text combine to tell an engaging story – if you can get a student to start reading it. The reading level is listed as grades 3-4 and the interest level is grades 3-9 but I can’t see any middle school student voluntarily picking up this title because of the cover art.
Strengths - The full-color graphics make an enormous impact on the story and help draw the reader in. The problems that arose during construction of this railroad are clear and facts are woven into the story fairly well through speech bubbles. The author includes a box on most pages with narration giving extra information to the reader to help with comprehension. The end of the book includes a "Glossary" with a pronunciation guide and a list of other books and web sites that might be of interest to the reader.
Weaknesses – There is something unappealing about the cover, size and even the weight of this book. The font used for the title is hard to read and the long title itself is uninspiring at best. The size is small and it is softbound which makes it hard to keep open. You can’t lay it flat and turn pages, you have to hold the pages open and the book tries to close when you let go to turn the page. Add to that, the rough graphic art and the whole package just does not scream middle school reader. It looks like a book that is trying too hard to appeal to a reluctant reader audience.
Verdict - This book is a good resource that could be used for writing a summary, a book report, or as a source for research. That said, this isn’t the BEST resource on the topic and its format may put off some students who might feel that they have been duped into “studying” by the graphic look. I think I would purchase this type of book in concert with a specific project need at my school or if I had a large EL or special needs population for which a lower reading level is necessary.
Claudette Colvin Twice Toward Justice By Phillip Hoose
Audience for whom the book is written: this book is written for a middle/high school audience as well as adults. This book is written with eloquence and photographic documents.
Audience to whom it will appeal: this book appeals to both young adults and to adults.
Claudette Colvin is the predecessor to Rosa Parks. Ms. Colvin was the first young adult (she was 15 years old) to refuse to give up her seat to a white person on the public bus. She was hauled off the bus by police, handcuffed and subject to verbal abuse as the police officers took her to the station and locked her in a cell. During this time period the organizers of the Montgomery bus boycott were formulating their strategy to boycott riding the bus, they did not think that Claudette would be the right person to represent or be the face of the boycott spokesperson. In fact Claudette was not even invited to the meetings when Martin Luther King and other leaders of the Montgomery bus revolt were discussing their strategy for the bus boycott. Claudette was intentionally left out of these meetings. Perhaps the group felt she was to young to be the trigger that precipitated the movement. The group arranged for Rosa Parks to be their spokesperson.
Particular strengths of the book: the writing style flows from the point of Claudette Colvin’s young life through the Montgomery Bus Boycott and then to the writing of this book. The book intimately depicts the feelings and isolation Claudette felt before, during and after her arrest.
Particular weaknesses of the book: I can’t think of one weakness. The book was a pleasure to read and I couldn’t put it down. I read it in one sitting.
Any special considerations or characteristics: there are many photographs documenting Claudette’s life and the details of the Montgomery Bus Boycott. The teachable moments are for students to learn that standing up for what you believe in brings an intrinsic reward, however it may not always bring you fame and fortune. Also, that Claudette Colvin was the original inspiration behind the Montgomery Bus Boycott, not Rosa Parks.
Verdict: A must have for your school library. A must read for your history class. Students need to know that Claudette Colvin was the first young lady to stand up to the bus driver and the policeman, and she paid a price for doing so.
"The Way We Work: Getting to Know the Amazing Human Body" by David Macaulay
This book would appeal to middle and high school boys and girls. Particularly, those that have a curiousness about why things are the way they are.
Strengths: The detailed full page illustrations really provide a deeper understanding into the way our complex body operates. The book is organized in sequential order beginning with the cells in which we are formed to the intricate systems that they encompass. This would be a great book for any student curious about the whys and hows of the human body. However, this would not replace the more detailed health curriculum textbook.
Weaknesses: In the last chapter of the book on "Extending the Line" there is a two page spread of a penis inserted in a vagina as it goes on to explain how eggs are fertilized. This would be a special consideration for a librarian looking to add to an elementary collection. The vocabulary is often written for a middle or high school audience as it might go over the heads of many elementary students. Although the illustrations provide a deeper understanding they lack extensive detail. The student looking for complex knowledge on a certain body area might be disappointed as this is a book filled with basic to intermediate knowledge. Personally, I learned new fascinating things, but I was not looking for specific knowledge on a certain area I was reading the book cover to cover for a full basic understanding of the human systems.
Verdict: I would include a copy in both a middle and high school collection as this provides the basic framework of the inner workings of the human body.
Amelia Earhart: This Broad Ocean By Sarah Stewart Taylor & Ben Towle
Age Range: Grades 4-6 Format: Graphic Novel
Strengths: This book tells a brief story that focuses on the day Amelia Earhart set out to fly across the Atlantic. It is a quick read and gives a basic introduction into a major event in aviation history. This book could be the gateway novel that leads a reader to dive more deeply into Earhart's life & story.
Weaknesses: Some of the content may be over a younger reader's head. In the novel, it talks about pilots flying when drunk. I also found it sometimes difficult to know who was speaking. The speech bubbles don't connect to the characters. They often hang in the space between them. Again, this could be problematic for a younger reader (such as 4th grade).
Special Considerations: The book came with an introduction by Eileen Collins - a female pilot for the military and NASA. She explains the impact Amelia Earhart had on her life & journey. The novel concludes with a section called "Panel Discussions." This section highlights some of the pages/images within the novel and gives further information about some of the events or characters in the story.
Verdict: I would put this book in a Middle School library. Although rather simple in content, the Discussion Panel section provides opportunity to dive further into the content. This would be a good book to introduce another format for biography. I don't believe the individual reader will take the time to go through the Discussion Panel section, so this book would be better presented in a classroom to get all of the content.
Sugar Changed the world: A Story of Magic, Spice, Slavery, Freedom, and Science by: Marc Aronson and Marina Budhos
Audience: 8+
Appeals to: History buffs. Those interested in the rise of sugar can and/or slavery. Those with ancestry ties.
Strengths: This book was written by a couple who have familial ties to sugar. They spent many years gathering information to bring this book to life. The pictures and illustrations are beautiful. The book shows how sugar and slavery went hand in hand.
Weaknesses: Being that this is an informational book, there are a lot of harsh realities that most of us never knew existed. It's maddening and sad that people were subjected to this type of brutality.
Special Considerations: There is a chapter at the end of the book specifically for teachers and librarians. This is a great asset and will help with classroom discussion. Also, there is a master timeline that spans from 8000 bc to the 21st century. The book is filled with amazing illustrations and photographs.
Verdict: This book is an absolute must have, especially in a high school library. It is chock full of information that is so fascinating, yet extremely sad. It brings about how addicting sugar was way back when, just as it is now.
Strengths of Book: This series provides a glimpse of the history of a franchise, facts about coaches, players, stadiums, uniforms, helmets, and mascots. The text is simple and the photographs are vibrant. The books are appealing for fans of the team. The book offers ways to incorporate more research using it as a guide for internet searches, provides a glossary of terms, and a trivia quiz. Readers are encouraged to write a biography of their favorite player and guided through the process with a concept web.
Weakness of Book: Some facts were incorrect, notably “the famous 1967 Playoff Game, or "ice bowl" played in sub-zero temperatures at Lambeau Field, the Packers defeated the New York Giants” which was played against the Dallas Cowboys. The books are limited by time. As the years go by and players change teams, the books will not remain current on their page “Stars of Today.”
Verdict: This series was already in the media center from the former media specialist. I did choose to add to the collection to finish off the series this year. I would definitely keep sports biography book series like this in the collection.
Amelia Earhart: This Broad Ocean by Sarah Steward Taylor and James Strum
ReplyDeleteThis book is written for grade 2 to grade 9. This book will appeal to students who like graphic novel and like learning about Amelia Earhart epic journey. The particular strength of the book is that it gives an important topic of discussion on the parts of the books. It also provides other suggested reading to accompany the book. The weakness of the book is that the color of illustration and graphic is blue and white with very little dialog. I wish it had more text about Amelia Earhart journey and more historical facts about her journey across the oceans. The cover of the book is beautiful with a picture of Amelia Earhart. That illustration is excellent.
Verdict: This book caters more for elementary grade students. There are better books on Amelia Earhart that a librarian could get. Don’t get it unless you are buying it for younger children to start learning about Amelia Earhart
Interesting span of grade levels. I'm not surprised that it leans more heavily towards one end. That would be very difficult to write a book that appeals to students age 8-14.
DeleteI have yet to read a graphic novel for information.
I also reviewed a graphic form for this category and found that although it was written for older grades, it clearly catered to elementary students. Interesting.
DeleteElena Vanishing: A Memoir by Elena Dunkle
ReplyDeleteSLJ has this novel listed as 9th grade and up; however, it definitely has an audience in older middle schoolers who may be beginning to struggle with eating disorders.
The author is the daughter of a writer, and together they did their best to reconstruct the events of her teen years into a comprehensive memoir. Starting from her experience being raped at 13 at a party (not described in any detail), to her ongoing brutal inner monologue who routinely curses her out for eating and gaining weight, readers will gain a first-hand experience of what it means to have anorexia. Particular of note is to what extremes Elena goes to not only hide her disorder, but to deny that she has it at all. She does not begin to heal until she finally admits that she has a problem. Readers will also get a first-hand perspective of what various treatment clinics are like, as Elena jumps from site to site in her ongoing struggles throughout the years.
Weaknesses to the story are mostly due to language and mild party / drinking scenes and miscarriage as Elena gets older and goes to college. I personally felt that the inappropriate content has a place in providing students a valuable life lesson as to the life-long consequences of anorexia; a lot of which I had no prior knowledge of.
Special considerations: Military families, nursing school, learning about anorexia and its effects.
Verdict: A valid perspective to be represented for mature and/or specialized middle school audiences, and definitely appropriate for high school.
Interesting. They actually discussed anorexia in my health classes in high school. Do you know any any other books on anorexia that might be more appropriate for middle school, as eating disorders often begin before high school?
DeleteBook title: Life in motion: An unlikely ballerina by Misty Copeland
ReplyDeleteThe audience for whom this autobiography is written is most likely teens and young adults. This book will certainly appeal to middle school and high school girls especially those who are dancers. I can also see that African American teens might also be interested in reading about a success story from their cultural group.
Strengths – Copeland has written an honest retelling of her experiences as the first African American ballerina soloist dancing for the American Ballet Theater. She is considered a prodigy as she first took up dance at age 13 and quickly found herself in toe shoes or “on pointe” which typically takes years of study to reach that level. She tells of her upbringing in Southern California moving from home to home as her mother moved from man to man, and she describes her introduction to ballet which did not always go smoothly and in fact was quite tumultuous at times. Another strength is that Copeland included a number of photographs to allow the reader to see the faces of the most important people and moments in her story. Finally, this is a book that details the life of a role model for girls and boys of color who may be having trouble following their dreams. At the same time, this is also a great text for Caucasian teens to see a predominantly white field with an African American leading one of the most prestigious dance companies.
Weaknesses – One might argue that Copeland is a bit long-winded, but I feel she has included important events and reflections about those events as they all come together to make her the person she is today.
Special considerations – One of Copeland’s intents is to introduce ballet to those who know little to nothing about it. She has learned that there are children who have never heard about this form of dance, especially children of color. More importantly, she imparts a message of strength and courage for children of color to do what they are meant to do. For her it was entering the white world of ballet in which she has encountered repeated discrimination and racism. Copeland shares her reflections on race and what it means to be in the minority. Also worth noting is that she overcame poverty during her perseverance to become a ballerina, another reflection of her strength and character.
My verdict: Children and teens of color do not have enough books about upstanding people from their cultural groups which makes this book a must-have for any library wanting to reflect a multicultural community.
Bomb: The Race to Build - and Steal - the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon
ReplyDeleteAuthor: Steve Sheinkin
As students get older nonfiction can be a much harder sell. The books get bigger and the topics more dense. They become more like textbooks. So when a nonfiction book reads like a novel it’s one that should be in every media center.
This is the story of the Manhattan Project from its first conception through the effects on the people involved after it was released. It not only looks at what was happening in the US, but in Russia and Germany and how it really was a race filled with tension, spying, espionage and danger. The way it’s written is less text book and more novel. The players are so well fleshed out that you truly understand who they are and the choices they made. The set up for the secretive nature is fully explained and mixed with the tension that must have been felt. Oppenheim, the central figure in the designing of the bomb, becomes someone you know and care about. The story of the builders in humanized through him especially after learning what happens to his life in later years.
The book is in a larger more square formal filled with actual photographs, diagrams, maps etc., so for readers who need that to really be hooked will find plenty to use. The strength is – these are used to enhance the written portion not to be in place of it. So you have to read; you cannot just look at the pictures.
For students who do not have much background on the Manhattan Project it will give them a rich full understanding of what went into building, but also how it affected those involved when they realized what they had done. For students who know their history it will provide them with a non-texbook look at an amazing group of men and women and how they changed the world.
Final verdict: Even those who don’t love nonfiction will read this Newbery Honor book. Once book talked it will find a solid audience in a middle or high school.
Thanks for an introduction to this book. I have to admit that the title is a great hook with that "and steal" insert. It captured my attention immediately. Its good to know that the rest of the book is as intriguing. I agree that older non-fiction is a harder sell. So many students head to online documentaries and you tube to find information these days, the books have a hard time competing.
DeleteCode Talker is the memoir of Chester Nez, a WWII veteran who served in the Marines as a Navajo code talker in the South Pacific. The book is co-written by Judith Schiess Avila, a code talker scholar, who conducted extensive interviews with Nez and his family. Although the book was written for adults, it may be enjoyed by high school students, especially those with an interest in the military and the history of communications technologies.
ReplyDeleteThe strengths of the book are the intimate details about military service for the Navajos and the significance of service after years of “white washing” their heritage away in boarding schools. This is a phenomenal account of extraordinary service: to create a code language, to commit it to memory, to demonstrate its effectiveness under scrutiny, and to put it into action on the battle field. There is action, reflection, and spiritual cleansing in this novel that will intrigue many.
The weakness of the book is the merging of two voices Nez’s account is filtered through the scholar Avila who recounts his tale as he tells it “first hand.” There were parts of the telling that sounded too literary, and I had to ask myself, does Nez really talk like that? It is possible, but it felt awkward. I imagine most high school students will not notice this. Another weakness is the level of detail about military matters, which may be tedious to some and absolutely fascinating to others.
Special considerations: Nez shares the Navajo people’s cultural values, their philosophy of “The Right Way,” and of the healing ceremony that helped restore Nez after his military service. The descriptions of the blessings, the significance of the medicine bag, the sweat lodge, and the purging ceremony are precious and profound.
Verdict: Fascinate and surprise young adult readers about a top-secret WWII communications project led by Native Americans. This book is a must-have for your historical non-fiction section. It honors Native American people’s contributions to WW II victories in the South Pacific; it magnifies little known episodes of American history; and delivers a message of humility and perseverance.
Sex: A Book for Teens by Nikol Hasler
ReplyDeleteAges 15 and up--
Intended audience: This book is written for teenagers who are curious about sex, whether or not they are having it or plan to have it.
Audience to whom it may appeal: Although the content may appeal to a younger audience, I think would be difficult to convince a K-8 or younger library to carry this book. It could also appeal to adults who have lingering questions about sex. (I learned a lot I didn’t know!)
Strengths: This book is very straightforward with facts, figures and clear explanations. It is also inclusive of various sexualities and gender identities. The author incorporates humor as well, which could help to alleviate some of the awkwardness of reading such a book. There are also many resources (websites, phone numbers) for learning more about safe sex including the possibility of STIs and teen pregnancy.
Weaknesses: The cover, style, and content of this book could be construed as giving permission or even promoting teens to have sex. There is also the potential for bits and pieces (chapter titles, cartoons) of the book to be taken out of context and misconstrued. Although the purpose of the book is to inform, I can foresee potential challenges to its forthright (and potentially encouraging) nature.
Special considerations: Clear explanations of sex in all of its variations including GLBT, as well as thorough objective descriptions of the spectrum of gender identities. This may be a book that, although not labeled “reference,” might not wander far from its shelf, though incurring frequent perusal from curious patrons.
VERDICT: Although the chance of challenge might be high, I would still promote the selection of this book in a high school media center. It is a humorous look at an awkward topic and has the potential to be extremely informative in an area that is often considered taboo. I think that the (mostly) objective explanatory style of the book would be an excellent addition to the library collection.
Sounds like this is one of those books that would get "Lost" very quickly. Thanks for the review!
Delete“This Star Won’t Go Out: The Life and Words of Esther Grade Earl” by Esther Earl
ReplyDelete“This Star Won’t Go Out: The Life and Words of Esther Grade Earl” by Esther Earl is a collection of journal entries, letters, poems, art, and pictures by Esther Earl, a teenager who was diagnosed with cancer when she was twelve and died at the age of sixteen. Though she is mostly known because YA author John Green dedicated his best-selling novel “The Fault in Our Stars” to her, she should be known as a brave girl who loved and helped others despite facing death.
The book features Esther’s writings and art starting when she was a toddler to right before her death. She wasn’t writing for any audience per say, but her parents published the book to encourage and inspire other teens and to fulfill Esther’s dream of becoming an author. This book will appeal to fans of John Green because of his relationship with Esther, his dedication to her, and the lengthy introduction he wrote for this book. It would also appeal to teens dealing with cancer themselves or those that know someone fighting cancer. Esther was also very active online in her life, so teens involved in the same or similar groups (Nerdfighters and Catitude) might want to read more about her.
Strengths:
Esther was an excellent example for teens of how to deal with bad things with positivity, strength, dignity, and love. Her words and the essays from others that knew her show what an inspiring young woman Esther was. While this memoir/scrapbook is a tearjerker, it is also funny. Esther’s dry sense of humor comes through and makes you laugh out loud. Esther was also extremely active in online communities and this book shows the power these groups have for teens to stay connected.
Weaknesses:
The biggest weakness of this title is that it is a bit disjointed, as it does not have a flowing narrative. Those that are looking for a narrative might not enjoy it. While it was positively reviewed by respected journals, personal reviews often remark that it was only published because of John Green and that while Esther is inspiring, this book wasn’t “necessary.”
Special Considerations:
A teenager who dies from cancer wrote this book. It is a very emotional read. It may be difficult for some students to read. In addition to writing about her cancer, Esther is a spiritual person and she writes about God and her beliefs.
Verdict:
As long as “The Fault in Our Stars” is popular, this nonfiction memoir is a good choice to have in a middle or high school collection as a companion.
I agree with your verdict. My fear would be - once TFIOS is faded, I think this book will as well.
DeleteLucy Long Ago by Catherine Thimmesh
ReplyDeleteGrades 4 and up--
Lucy Long Ago tells the story of one of the biggest scientific discoveries of the 20th century: the uncovering of “Lucy”: the “oldest, most complete fossil skeleton ever found.” The book begins with the discovery of the bones in 1974 and traces the scientific research that followed. It is an intriguing combination of science and imagination written in an engaging narrative style.
Intended audience: Elementary or middle school students interested in evolution, science, anthropology or just generally curious about the world we live in.
Audience to whom it may appeal: This book has the potential to engage young and old audience alike with it’s clear explanations, vivid graphics and images and accessible story structure.
Strengths: Though the book is nonfiction, it is written in a narrative style so it has the potential to appeal to a variety of readers as informative as well as entertaining. The pictures and graphics are well done and help the reader to better understand the scientific research that went into Lucy’s discovery and subsequent theories about the history of humanity.
Weaknesses: Some of the science jargon could be a bit off-putting to lower level readers or those with minimal science education. In a way, it might be considered a challenge to creationism, which might bring about requests for removal in certain districts.
Special considerations: This book very much describes science consistent with Darwin (and others’) theory of evolution and could potentially face challenges from parents who prefer their children to focus on their religious teachings of creationism.
VERDICT: I think Lucy Long Ago would make an excellent addition to any elementary, middle or even high school library. Its unique content, vivid graphics and images and narrative style make it a great book for kids of all ages.
I read this book too. "IT" hooked me right away. I really like that when the author is using words that may be unfamiliar to the reader, she has a good, in-depth definition on the same page as the word is used. I found that to be really helpful (or you can look in the back of the glossary). I find it so fascinating that these scientists can find these bones, scattered all over, millions of years ago, and piece them together. To the point that they can determine gender, narrow down age, and if she could walk or not. I love the part in the book that says "And the bones said..."
DeleteThe photographs are awesome! I think this book would be a great addition to any middle or high school library.
My Anxious Mind: A Teen’s Guide to Managing Anxiety and Panic (Informational)
ReplyDeleteBy: Michael A. Thompkins, PhD, and Katherine Martinez, PsyD
Illustrated by Michael Sloan
Audience for whom the book is written: teens in grades 8-10
To whom would this book appeal?: This book would appeal to students in middle or high school. It would appeal to those struggling with anxiety as well as anyone interested in learning more about stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues. It would also appeal to adults who support teens with these challenges.
Summary: the book is part informative with a counseling feel to it and part practical activities that teens can use to manage their own panic and anxiety. The authors introduce a variety of topics, from overgeneralizations, to the mind-body connection, to medication, and beyond.
Strengths: This book does a commendable job of explaining mental health disorders in a way that is teen-friendly yet very smart and thought-provoking. It normalizes their struggles and feelings, recognizes that panic and anxiety are not always easy to manage, while empowering students at the same time. The overarching message is “don’t let your anxiety take over your life.”
Weaknesses: In terms of including it in a library media center, a weakness may lie in the fact that some of the exercises make the book better suited to consumption/ ownership (fill in the blanks, journaling.) Students can modify and complete the exercises in a journal/ notebook, but many may be more likely to complete them effectively if they could write in the book.
Special considerations: The book includes some simple black and white illustrations that correlate to each chapter’s title. While it reads like a resource book in some ways, it is best read as a whole because of the way the topics progress and connect to one another. It includes many charts/ graphs/ visuals that students can copy and refer to often. This would also be a good fit for students to read together in a small group (e.g. social/ emotional group facilitated by school counselor, social worker, or psychologist.)
Verdict: I would include a copy of this book in both a middle school and high school library. As the book points out, roughly one in twenty teens deals with extreme worry, panic, and phobias. As a school counselor, I can attest to the fact that the level of anxiety in our students is increasing every year, with more and more students being hospitalized for anxiety-related issues. My guess would be that students who check out the book due to personal struggles and really want to dive in may follow up by purchasing the book on their own in order to refer back to it often and complete the exercises as well as highlight or otherwise note the passages/ exercises they find most helpful.
Having a son that deals with anxiety, I'm glad to see something like this included in a library collection. I think it's important to make sure with cover issues like this for kids who struggle with it. Thanks for sharing this one.
DeleteStress, anxiety, and the like are issues that I am seeing at an elementary level- mental illness does not discriminate on age. I was hoping you would recommend this book for an elementary library as well. It is extremely difficult to find age appropriate materials on these extremely delicate topics.
DeleteDustee- I think it would be appropriate for some upper elementary; the vocabulary would be a stretch for younger readers though some of the activities could be used to facilitate a group with elementary aged students.
DeleteThe Building of the Transcontinental Railroad
ReplyDeleteBy Nathan Olson
This book is in graphic format. I was expecting a somewhat dry and childish approach to the content but the graphics and text combine to tell an engaging story – if you can get a student to start reading it. The reading level is listed as grades 3-4 and the interest level is grades 3-9 but I can’t see any middle school student voluntarily picking up this title because of the cover art.
Strengths - The full-color graphics make an enormous impact on the story and help draw the reader in. The problems that arose during construction of this railroad are clear and facts are woven into the story fairly well through speech bubbles. The author includes a box on most pages with narration giving extra information to the reader to help with comprehension. The end of the book includes a "Glossary" with a pronunciation guide and a list of other books and web sites that might be of interest to the reader.
Weaknesses – There is something unappealing about the cover, size and even the weight of this book. The font used for the title is hard to read and the long title itself is uninspiring at best. The size is small and it is softbound which makes it hard to keep open. You can’t lay it flat and turn pages, you have to hold the pages open and the book tries to close when you let go to turn the page. Add to that, the rough graphic art and the whole package just does not scream middle school reader. It looks like a book that is trying too hard to appeal to a reluctant reader audience.
Verdict - This book is a good resource that could be used for writing a summary, a book report, or as a source for research. That said, this isn’t the BEST resource on the topic and its format may put off some students who might feel that they have been duped into “studying” by the graphic look. I think I would purchase this type of book in concert with a specific project need at my school or if I had a large EL or special needs population for which a lower reading level is necessary.
Claudette Colvin
ReplyDeleteTwice Toward Justice
By Phillip Hoose
Audience for whom the book is written: this book is written for a middle/high school audience as well as adults. This book is written with eloquence and photographic documents.
Audience to whom it will appeal: this book appeals to both young adults and to adults.
Claudette Colvin is the predecessor to Rosa Parks. Ms. Colvin was the first young adult (she was 15 years old) to refuse to give up her seat to a white person on the public bus. She was hauled off the bus by police, handcuffed and subject to verbal abuse as the police officers took her to the station and locked her in a cell. During this time period the organizers of the Montgomery bus boycott were formulating their strategy to boycott riding the bus, they did not think that Claudette would be the right person to represent or be the face of the boycott spokesperson. In fact Claudette was not even invited to the meetings when Martin Luther King and other leaders of the Montgomery bus revolt were discussing their strategy for the bus boycott. Claudette was intentionally left out of these meetings. Perhaps the group felt she was to young to be the trigger that precipitated the movement. The group arranged for Rosa Parks to be their spokesperson.
Particular strengths of the book: the writing style flows from the point of Claudette Colvin’s young life through the Montgomery Bus Boycott and then to the writing of this book. The book intimately depicts the feelings and isolation Claudette felt before, during and after her arrest.
Particular weaknesses of the book: I can’t think of one weakness. The book was a pleasure to read and I couldn’t put it down. I read it in one sitting.
Any special considerations or characteristics: there are many photographs documenting Claudette’s life and the details of the Montgomery Bus Boycott. The teachable moments are for students to learn that standing up for what you believe in brings an intrinsic reward, however it may not always bring you fame and fortune. Also, that Claudette Colvin was the original inspiration behind the Montgomery Bus Boycott, not Rosa Parks.
Verdict: A must have for your school library. A must read for your history class. Students need to know that Claudette Colvin was the first young lady to stand up to the bus driver and the policeman, and she paid a price for doing so.
"The Way We Work: Getting to Know the Amazing Human Body" by David Macaulay
ReplyDeleteThis book would appeal to middle and high school boys and girls. Particularly, those that have a curiousness about why things are the way they are.
Strengths:
The detailed full page illustrations really provide a deeper understanding into the way our complex body operates. The book is organized in sequential order beginning with the cells in which we are formed to the intricate systems that they encompass. This would be a great book for any student curious about the whys and hows of the human body. However, this would not replace the more detailed health curriculum textbook.
Weaknesses:
In the last chapter of the book on "Extending the Line" there is a two page spread of a penis inserted in a vagina as it goes on to explain how eggs are fertilized. This would be a special consideration for a librarian looking to add to an elementary collection. The vocabulary is often written for a middle or high school audience as it might go over the heads of many elementary students. Although the illustrations provide a deeper understanding they lack extensive detail. The student looking for complex knowledge on a certain body area might be disappointed as this is a book filled with basic to intermediate knowledge. Personally, I learned new fascinating things, but I was not looking for specific knowledge on a certain area I was reading the book cover to cover for a full basic understanding of the human systems.
Verdict:
I would include a copy in both a middle and high school collection as this provides the basic framework of the inner workings of the human body.
Amelia Earhart: This Broad Ocean
ReplyDeleteBy Sarah Stewart Taylor & Ben Towle
Age Range: Grades 4-6
Format: Graphic Novel
Strengths: This book tells a brief story that focuses on the day Amelia Earhart set out to fly across the Atlantic. It is a quick read and gives a basic introduction into a major event in aviation history. This book could be the gateway novel that leads a reader to dive more deeply into Earhart's life & story.
Weaknesses: Some of the content may be over a younger reader's head. In the novel, it talks about pilots flying when drunk. I also found it sometimes difficult to know who was speaking. The speech bubbles don't connect to the characters. They often hang in the space between them. Again, this could be problematic for a younger reader (such as 4th grade).
Special Considerations: The book came with an introduction by Eileen Collins - a female pilot for the military and NASA. She explains the impact Amelia Earhart had on her life & journey. The novel concludes with a section called "Panel Discussions." This section highlights some of the pages/images within the novel and gives further information about some of the events or characters in the story.
Verdict: I would put this book in a Middle School library. Although rather simple in content, the Discussion Panel section provides opportunity to dive further into the content. This would be a good book to introduce another format for biography. I don't believe the individual reader will take the time to go through the Discussion Panel section, so this book would be better presented in a classroom to get all of the content.
Sugar Changed the world: A Story of Magic, Spice, Slavery, Freedom, and Science
ReplyDeleteby: Marc Aronson and Marina Budhos
Audience: 8+
Appeals to: History buffs. Those interested in the rise of sugar can and/or slavery. Those with ancestry ties.
Strengths: This book was written by a couple who have familial ties to sugar. They spent many years gathering information to bring this book to life. The pictures and illustrations are beautiful. The book shows how sugar and slavery went hand in hand.
Weaknesses: Being that this is an informational book, there are a lot of harsh realities that most of us never knew existed. It's maddening and sad that people were subjected to this type of brutality.
Special Considerations: There is a chapter at the end of the book specifically for teachers and librarians. This is a great asset and will help with classroom discussion. Also, there is a master timeline that spans from 8000 bc to the 21st century. The book is filled with amazing illustrations and photographs.
Verdict: This book is an absolute must have, especially in a high school library. It is chock full of information that is so fascinating, yet extremely sad. It brings about how addicting sugar was way back when, just as it is now.
Title: Inside the NFL Series: Green Bay Packers
ReplyDeleteBy: Zach Wyner
Age recommendation: grades 3-7
Audience to whom it will appeal: Football fans
Strengths of Book: This series provides a glimpse of the history of a franchise, facts about coaches, players, stadiums, uniforms, helmets, and mascots. The text is simple and the photographs are vibrant. The books are appealing for fans of the team. The book offers ways to incorporate more research using it as a guide for internet searches, provides a glossary of terms, and a trivia quiz. Readers are encouraged to write a biography of their favorite player and guided through the process with a concept web.
Weakness of Book: Some facts were incorrect, notably “the famous 1967 Playoff Game, or "ice bowl" played in sub-zero temperatures at Lambeau Field, the Packers defeated the New York Giants” which was played against the Dallas Cowboys. The books are limited by time. As the years go by and players change teams, the books will not remain current on their page “Stars of Today.”
Verdict: This series was already in the media center from the former media specialist. I did choose to add to the collection to finish off the series this year. I would definitely keep sports biography book series like this in the collection.
Boo, Packers!
Delete