Textbook Reflection 10-13

Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes

Crutcher, C. (1993). Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes. NY: Greenwillow Books. Book Summary Eric and Sarah are two misfits trying to survive life.Eric is overweight and Sarah has these mysterious burn scars on her face. They both end up forming an inseparable friendship and on their free time they write newspaper articles about the school bully named Dale. Unbeknown, the only person that knows Sarah’s deep darkest secret is Dale.  Eric decides to join the swim team to keep himself occupied and starts to lose weight. Eric becomes part of the “in” crowd, but still worries about Sarah. Sarah has a mental breakdown and gets admitted into a mental hospital. Sarah’s story is a mystery to Eric until Dale reveals that her father abuses her at home. Eric will do anything it takes to rescue Sarah from abuse even if it means risking his own life. Book Review The author does a great job at integrating modern day issues teenagers go through on a daily basis from bullying to  domestic violence. The readers will connect with the major theme of friendship in this novel. Many readers will like how the main character doesn’t neglect his friend just because he is becoming popular. He instead worries about her and tries to save her. I also like the way the author transforms the “bully” into someone that actually cares. At the end of this book, readers will know the meaning of true friendship. Awards and Honors ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults ALA Best of the Best Books for Young Adults American Bookseller Pick of the Lists California Young Reader Medal School Library Journal Best Book Interview with the author https://youtu.be/81DF-DzRJwg All About the author http://www.chriscrutcher.com/biography.html More books by the author

Shiver

Stiefvater, M. (2009). Shiver. Scholastic. New York Book Summary Shiver is a story about two worlds the human race and the werewolf race. Grace was a young girl that got attacked by wolves, but Sam the brave werewolf with yellow eyes comes to her rescue. Ever since then she is obsessed with wolves and every winter she watches in search of finding her yellow eyed hero. After a boy is attacked in town, many people think that all of the wolves are dangerous and they want to kill them off.  One day, Grace finds her hero Sam laying in human form on her porch injured by a bullet. Grace immediately helps him and they begin this inseparable bond. As Sam spends more time with Grace, he exposes her to the truth about  how werewolves change into humans during the summer time and into wolves during the winter months. Sam thinks that this is his last year as a human, but Grace loves him so much and tries to find a cure for him. Will she find a way to keep him in her world forever? Book Review Shiver is the first book of this fantasy fiction trilogy. Most people would think that this book would be scary and dark because it is about werewolves. However, the author does a great job in normalizing the world of werewolves. This books is recommended for readers that like reading about abnormal love. Readers will connect with the multiple themes in this book including love, transformation, freedom, and forgiveness. More about the author https://www.maggiestiefvater.com/my-story/ If you like this book...you have to read the series!

Fangirl

Rowell, R. (2013). Fangirl. New York, NY: St. Martin's Press. Book Summary Fangirl is a book about  girl named Cath and her first year in college. Cath has a twin sister named Wren and they do everything together including writing Fan Fiction about their favorite book. Cath thinks that they are inseparable, until Wren proves her wrong. Wren decides room with someone else. Now Cath doesn’t know what to do she is battling with so much her freshman year in college. Cath is worried about a lot from her sister Wren who is partying and drinking her freshman year away to her dad back home that suffers from mental illness. Her only escape is writing fan fiction about her favorite book. Her roommate Reagan tries to help her meet new people like Levi her ex-boyfriend, but that goes south. Through heartbreak, failure, and anxiety Cath learns to find herself and survives her freshman year in college. Book Review This realistic fiction book will have adult readers flashback to their freshman year in college! Many young adult readers will relate to the main characters battles with overcoming change and being accepted by her peers. This is a recommended read for older teenagers or someone who likes to read realistic coming- of- age stories. This book will have readers reflect on the challenges of college life, mental illness, and social anxiety. More Books by the Author http://www.rainbowrowell.com/about/ Awards and Honors A New York Times Notable Book Indigo Books, Top 10 Books of the Year Indigo Books, Best Teen Book of the Year More books by the author!

I will Save You

Peña, M. D. (2011). I will save you. New York: Ember Book Summary I will Save You is a book about a troubled teenage boy named Kidd. Kidd had a horrible childhood witnessing his mother get physically abused everyday by his father.  Things take a turn for the worse when his mother gets fed up and commits suicide after killing Kidd’s father. Now, Kidd is all alone and depressed, so he is sent to a foster care facility to get therapy. Instead of getting the help he most desperately needs, Kidd decides to runaway. While in search for balance and peace, he meets this influential man named Mr. Red. Mr. Red takes Kidd under his wing and hires him on for a summer job at a beach. While working,  Kidd meets this beautiful girl named Olivia and they form a strong bond. Soon Kidd falls in love with her and he thinks his world is complete, but that soon changes when Devon comes to ruin things. Devon is another troubled boy that Kidd was warned about...he feeds off of negative energy. Kidd will do anything it takes to prevent Devon from taking away his peace and love even if it means killing him. After Kidd wakes up in  confinement, he soon comes to a realization on who Devon really is. Book Review Matt De La Pena’s creative writing style does a great job at making this realistic fiction story truly come to life. Readers will  be deeply touched by this story and will have empathy for people that are going through depression. This book is recommended for readers who likes a good suspenseful twist at the end. Readers will be able to connect with the main theme of this book which is finding and accepting yourself for better or worse. Awards & Honors ALA-YALSA Best Book for Young Adults and Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers Finalist for the 2011 Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award All about the Author http://mattdelapena.com/bio/ More books by the Author!

The bunk Diary

Brooks, K. (2015). The bunker diary. Minneapolis: Carolrhoda Lab. Book Summary Linus Weems feels like he is stuck in a horror story! While trying to do a good deed one day, Linus gets abducted. He wakes up in a bunker with no windows or doors and no privacy. There are hidden monitor devices everywhere. Linus finds out he is not the only one that is in the bunker. He decides to write about their horrific experience in the bunker. Desperate to get out they devise a plan to find an escape only for it to backfire and their worst nightmare comes true. Through starvation, torture, and destruction who will survive at the end?   Book Review The Bunker Diary is a realistic fiction that has a combination of horror and suspense. Due to the graphic content this story is highly recommended for ages 15 and up.  This disturbing thriller will have readers sweating all the way until the end! Readers will connect with the main characters fears and anxiety as the author writes in 2nd person point of view. I love how the author leaves readers on a cliffhanger at the end having readers examine clues and coming up with their own theory of this mysterious abductor. This book really is reality for some people because they might know of a family member that has gone missing, This book will teach young and old readers that no one is safe and  you just have to be cautious at all times. Book Trailer https://youtu.be/uIwzCxvdCOg All about the Author https://literature.britishcouncil.org/writer/kevin-brooks More books by the Author

Bone Gap

Ruby, L. (2016). Bone Gap. New York, NY: Balzer   Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins. Book Summary This story is about two brothers named Finn and Sean. They young and living on their own in a small weird town called Bone Gap. The two brothers meet this new girl named Roza that has a hard time fitting in. They decide to accept her for who she is and form a friendship with her. As Sean begins to spend more time with Roza, he falls in love with her. One night,  on a group date at the fair, Finn witnesses his brother’s girlfriend Roza get abducted by a man. Unfortunately, Finn is unable to see the man’s face due to his disability. Finn and Sean are unable to get help in this strange town. No one is taking them seriously about Roza’s abduction. Finn decides to take matters in his own hands to rescue Roza from her dangerous abductor.     Book Review This fantasy fiction book has elements of  romance, mystery, magic, and horror all in one read! Readers will have a better understanding of each character because the author writes in multiple point of views. This book will remind readers of modern day issues that is still going on today including bullying, kidnapping, and mental illness. Awards & Honors Printz Award Winner National Book Award Finalist All about the Author http://www.lauraruby.com/laura.php Book Trailer https://youtu.be/yjzpaGBCq6c

Code name Verity

Wein, E. (2012). Code name Verity. New York: Hyperion Book Summary Code name Verity is a story about two female friends named Julie and Maddie. Both young women are in the military working against the Nazi forces. Julie is a spy and Maddie is a pilot. Their story takes place during WWII.  Everything goes wrong when the plane goes down during a mission. Unfortunately, Julie gets captured by the Nazi Gestapo and has to leave her “dead” friend behind.  While held captive, she is forced to give up secrets she knows about the mission or else she will get tortured. In hopes to spare her life,  she writes down everything she knows including her friendship with Maddie.  There is always two sides to every story! Surprisingly, Maddie is still alive and in search to rescue her friend Julie.  Maddie is unaware of Julie confessing all of their secrets, but when she finds out may change their destiny forever. Book Review This is a must read for anyone who likes historical fiction!  Many readers will be able to connect with the overall theme of the book including perseverance, fear, truth, and friendship. This book is not recommended for someone who does not like crying...at the end you will shed SEVERAL tears! Many teenage girls will connect with these two strong female characters. The author creatively combines both Julie and Maddie’s point of view in one read! This allows readers to get a better understanding about Maddie’s decision at the end. Awards and Recognition Printz Honor Book Boston Globe/Horn Book Award Honor Book Shortlisted for the 2013 CILIP Carnegie Award All about the Author! https://www.elizabethwein.com/biography More books by the author!

Freak Show

St. James, J. (2007). Freak show. New York: Dutton. Book Summary Billy is ready for a new school and new year! But is the new school ready for him? Billy is stylish, flamBOYant, and fierce! Legally Billy is a teenage boy, but internally he identifies as a female and he loves to dress up as a drag queen. Majority of the high school does not accept Billy’s lifestyle and this leads to a very miserable year. And to make matters worst she falls in love with Flip, the Star football player...she will never have a chance or so she thinks! She is the outcast and no one understands her. Things all change when she gets jumped by bullies and ends up in the hospital. Surprisingly, the only person that comes to check up on her is Flip! They begin to connect and form a friendship.  Billy decides to not let this bring her down and she does the unthinkable and run for homecoming queen. Win or lose Billy is determined to be accepted! Book Review Freak Show by James St. James is a realistic fiction book that will have you laughing, crying, and fuming all in one read! I love how the author creatively integrates his own personal struggles with his gender. This book will have readers reflecting on many issues teenagers face everyday including bullying, and sexual identity. Movie Trailer https://youtu.be/LGubK9RyKQo Meet the Author https://youtu.be/hZlDXmpDWLM Awards and Recognition Michigan Library Association Thumbs Up! Award Nominee (2008) Peggy Miller Award (2008)

Grasshopper jungle

Smith, A. (2014). Grasshopper jungle. New York: Dutton. Book Summary Grasshopper Jungle is about a sexually frustrated boy named Austin from a small town in Iowa. Everything goes downhill after Austin and his gay best friend Robby sneaks into the store Austin works at. Maybe it wasn’t a good idea...while in the boss’ office, they release this unstoppable plague. Now there is giant grasshoppers roaming the earth attacking humans! What do they do next? Will they find a way to end the plague or end the world? Book Review If readers are ready for a weird read, they should definitely pick up this book! Throughout this sci-fi novel, some young adult readers will be able to connect with the main character and his struggles with his sexuality. The author’s writing style may be a little different because there is a lot of repetition making this a suitable read for reluctant readers because it helps them remember key elements of the book. Due to the language and inappropriate content, this is a recommended read for ages 16 and up. More books from this author! Author’s Website http://www.authorandrewsmith.com/Author_Andrew_Smith/Home.html Awards and Recognition Michael L. Printz Award Honor (2015) Milwaukee County Teen Book Award Nominee (2015) The Inky Awards Nominee for Silver Inky (2015)

The notorious Benedict Arnold

Sheinkin, S. (2010). The notorious Benedict Arnold. New York: Macmillan. Book Summary Benedict Arnold ,yes, the infamous American traitor...or so we think! This nonfiction biography takes readers on a dramatic adventure of Benedict Arnold’s life. This book uncovers Benedict’s childhood which was tragic and troubling because he was poor. The author also reveals why Benedict Arnold turned his back on America and was inherited the name “traitor”.  Our history books failed us on many things about this historical figure. He is more than just a “traitor”. Benedict Arnold had drive, determination, bravery, and intelligence. Unfortunately, no one gave him credit for his work and as a result, he forever changed history! Book Review Sheinkin does a great job exposing readers to what history doesn’t want us to know. He captured Benedict Arnold’s life in a whole new light and after reading this book readers will have another view about this “notorious traitor". This is not another boring biography! If you like adventure and history this will be the perfect read! After reading this book readers will learn the true meaning of  heartache,  passion, and loyalty. Lesson Resources https://www.teachingbooks.net/tb.cgi?a=1&tid=21656 Awards and Recognition YALSA Award for Excellence Boston Globe – Horn Book Award Beacon of Freedom Award More books by this author!

Invisible

Hautman, P. (2005). Invisible. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. Book Summary Doug Manson is a 17 year old  outcast. He gets  bullied all the time in and out of school. Doug’s only escape is his basement where he builds extraordinary model trains and his obsession Andy Morrow. Andy Morrow is very popular and very social the complete opposite of  Doug, but that doesn’t come between their BEST friendship. Everyone thinks Doug is crazy including his parents. Doug faces many internal challenges that wears on him. He is hunted by his dark past with Andy and has to take prescription medicine because of his mental illness. Doug will finally come to turns with his dark secret and come to the realization that his reality just might be invisible. Book Review This is a recommended realistic fiction book for reluctant readers due to the short read. At the end, many readers will be left jaw dropped! Hautman’s suspenseful writing will have readers using Doug’s memories to connect the puzzle pieces together. Readers will be able to connect with the multiple themes in this book including death, obsession, and friendship. This book will bring awareness to mental illness. Author’s Website http://www.petehautman.com/ More books by Pete Hautman