Will and Whit

Will and Whit

By: Laura Lee Gulledge

Gulledge, L. L. (2013). Will & Whit.

Summary and Response:

Will lives with her Aunt and helps her run the antique store. Will has some eccentric friends and she just generally enjoys the basics of her life. Will is doing well until a hurricane rips through town and leaves her in sudden darkness. It is hurricane "Whip".  Will has never liked the dark and through this novel we get to see and understand how Will copes with this. Will is going to have to face her fears. By the end of the story we have seen her join a circus, go down a river on a mattress, get a crush, and get her friends to quit being jerks.  This is especially great to use whenever a student has a fear that they just cannot overcome. It is hilarious and helps show that sometimes there are worse things than small fears. 

Thirteen Reason Whys

Thirteen Reasons Why

By: Jay Asher

Asher, J., Wiseman, D., & Johnstone, J. (2007). Thirteen reasons why. New York: Random House/Listening Library.

Summary and Response:
Suicide is an issue that can hit close to home, especially for teenagers. This novel is about Hannah Baker who commits suicide using pills. She leaves a stack of tapes that explains each of her reasons for committing suicide.  Each person must watch the tapes and then pass them on to the next person. Clay understand and feels for what Hannah has been through.He makes sure each person sees their tape and passes in on. During all of this Clay sees a girl, Skye, whom he used to have a crush on and decides that her quit sullenness might be a cry for help. He resolves to help Skye unlike the help he ever gave Hannah. This novel is best suited for high school age students. No matter what context it is in, suicide is a serious matter, and affects thousands on a daily basis. This would be a good book to discuss the signs of depression and suicidal tendencies, 

The Book Thief

The Book Thief

By: Markus Zusak

Zusak, M. (2006). The book thief. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.

Summary and Response:
Liesel is an orphan living in Hitlers birth place. She learns to read during this time and even helps a neighbor appreciate books. Liesel acquires her books by stealing them from the Mayor. Narrated by Death himself this is a great novel to use when teaching about the concept of voice and personification. Just when you think you have read everything dealing with WWII and the Holocaust; along comes this book. It leaves you feeling hopeful but also sick to your stomach at the thought of how much had to be hidden during that time. 

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

 By: Benjamin Saenz

Sáenz, B. A., Foglia, C., & Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers (Firm),. (2012). Aristotle and Dante discover the secrets of the universe. New York: Simon & Schuster BFYR

Summary and Resposne:
It is the 1980's and Dante and Aristotle meet at a swimming pool. Ari is quiet and antisocial where as Dante is loud and center stage. Both boys become good friends and that friendship blossoms into love. They must figure out their relationship and how to make others understand it. Ari struggles with this and must decide how to go about each day. This novel is more appropriate for high schoolers as students need to show maturity in handling this novel and subject matter. 

Feed

Feed

By: M.T. Anderson

Anderson, M. T. (2002). Feed. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press.

Summary and Response:
 Feed is a futuristic novel where people have computer interfaces installed in their brains as infants. This gives everyone instant access to information and more importantly to advertisements that direct their habits. In this dystopian novel their world seems great, they party all the time, buy whatever they like, and school is more about how to get more enjoyment out of life. But when Titus and his friends head to the moon for a spring break party they are infected with a virus. Violet becomes our heroine in this story and it truly makes you wonder what technology is doing to us when we have the answers right at the tips of our fingers. This is an excellent novel to use when deciding if technology has too big of an impact on our lives. This would also serve as a great novel to use when talking about satire. 

Stargazing Dog

Stargazing Dog

By: Takashi Murakami

Murakami, T., Saisho, A., Fancutt, S., & Murakami, T. (2011). Stargazing dog. New York: NBM.

Summary and Response:
Enter a Japanese man, "Daddy" who is reserved and does not speak too much. He does talk to his dog, Happie, but that is about it. One day he finds himself sick, his daughter is rebelling against everything, and his wife asks for a divorce. He is now alone, with the exception of his faithful friend Happie.  He decides to pack up his car and take Happie and just drive. Throughout his journey we see the man go through changes. The man is a perfect example of an often misunderstood character. This novel would be best suited 7th grade on up. It may be a little hard to understand at first but it all comes together. 

The Elementals

The Elementals

By: Francesca Lia Block

Block, F. L. (2012). The elementals. New York: St. Martin's Press.

Summary and Response:
Francesca Lia Block introduces us to Ariel Silverman, a high school student, who is on her way to college. Ariel's friend suddenly goes missing. During her freshman year of college Ariel decides she must go figure out what has happened to Jeni, her best friend. During this journey Ariel meets a group of people who call themselves, "The Elementals."  It is difficult to tell if Ariel is having a dream or if it is completely true. There are numerous sex scenes with John which makes this novel a bit more on the high school end of things,  We finally discover what happens to Jeni and at least this part is sewn up for us. This novel had me baffled, for I could not quite figure out if it was a mystery or fantasy. Either way it was written well and kept me engaged. I wanted to help Ariel myself as I saw her breaking under the grief of Jeni and her mothers cancer. This novel should be used only with teens ages 16 on up. 

The Secret of the Fortune Wookiee

The Secret of the Fortune Wookiee

By: Tom Angleberger

Angleberger, T. (2012). The secret of the Fortune Wookiee: An Origami Yoda book. New York: Amulet Books.

Summary and Response:
In this third novel in the series, we find Dwight has been suspended from school. Without Dwight and the origami yoda, Tommy, Sara, Kellen, and Rhondella feel lost. One day a Sara comes to school with a Chewbacca fortune teller. She claims that Dwight has given it to her since the yoda is gone. The kids all use the Chewbacca fortune teller to help them make decisions and get out of everyday tough situations. There are numerous Dwight sightings and eventually they find out that Dwight is miserable at his new school. They figure out a way to help and win back Dwight, This is a great story that involves typical normal issues for middle schoolers. The only set back is that you need to have seen the Star Wars movies or else you might be a little lost with some of the references. 

Ungifted

Ungifted

By: Gordon Korman

Korman, G. (2012). Ungifted. New York: Balzer + Bray.

Summary and Response:

This is a delightful read. It makes you smile and laugh. Donovan Curtis is an average boy who has a knack for getting into trouble. One day Donovan bites off more than he can chew when he accidentally sets a huge metal sphere hurtling through the gym doors, causing major damage. Donovan is caught but before punishment can be given he slips out and is accidentally placed in the Academic School for Scholastic Distinction. Here Donovan struggles to fit in but soon develops friendships and even though his IQ is not off the charts his creative thinking helps these geniuses out of tough spots. He helps bring them all closer together as well as gains a deeper understanding of himself. Donovan is soon found out and is placed back into his regular school, but is now at peace with himself and on a better track. This is an ideal book for grades 6-8.

Leviathan

Leviathan

By: Scott Westerfeld

Westerfeld, S., & Thompson, K. (2009). Leviathan. New York: Simon Pulse.

Summary and Response:
I have never read what is considered "steampunk" writing. I must say that I will definitely be reading more. Leviathan takes place in an alternate futuristic history. It follows two main characters, Alek, who is the heir to the throne; and Deryn, who is a female disguised as a male to be able to be an airman. This story does include historical fact in a distorted sort of manner. The events in the story are what precipitate WWI. The society as they know it is divided into two parts, the Clankers and the Darwinists. There is much discussion and focus set on the aspect of technology and nature. This story lends itself to be a great discussion starter on technology versus natural sources. This story has the same feel of Ender's Game, which I suggest as another novel to read if you enjoy this. 

Code Name Verity

Code Name Verity

By: Elizabeth Wein

Wein, E. (2012). Code name Verity. New York: Hyperion.

Summary and Response:
This is a historical fiction story about Maggie and Queenie fighting during WWII. Queenie tells us the story through first and third person because of switching so much between the past and present. She has been captured by the enemy and in turn for her giving up "spy" information they allow her to write out an almost memoir like notes that tells of her and Maggie. The last part of the story is told by Maggie and gives us insight into how she became a pilot and more importantly the secrets that the Nazi's are not supposed to know. I had trouble getting into this story but do see the importance of highlighting a much overlooked area of woman in history. There is so much out there on wars and the men involved and much less on the woman who have joined and fought in the wars. This would be a great story to use with a nonfiction piece of writing about woman spies and pilots, being able to compare the characteristics of the characters to the real life woman military members. 

Uglies

Uglies

By: Scott Westerfeld

Westerfeld, S. (2005). Uglies. New York: Simon Pulse

Summary and Response:
Tally Youngblood is a fifteen year old girl who is ready to have her surgery that will transform her from an ugly into a pretty. In her society, that has suffered through a major catastrophe, feels that everyone should be physically altered to have features that are considered non threatening. What Tally does not know is that the surgery also alters their personality. Tally decides to go see her best friend Peris but on the way meets Shay and David. Shay decides not to have the surgery and runs away to "The Smoke", a place where people who decide to stay "ugly" live out in the wilderness.  Tally soon finds herself caught between friendship or beauty. This is a science fiction novel and in the popularity of the dystopian society novels I would highly recommend this novel to my 7th graders who have loved The Hunger Games series and the Divergent Series. 

Deadline

Deadline

By: Chris Crutcher

Crutcher, C. (2007). Deadline. New York: Greenwillow Books.

Summary and Response:

Deadline is a novel that will make you cry from beginning to end. It will change your perspective on life and question your actions from the day you begin reading this story. Ben Wolf is beginning his senior year of high school and has big plans. The one thing he did not plan on was during a routine physical discovering he has a terminal illness that will end his life before the school year is over. Ben makes a difficult decision not to tell his family or friends. As the school year begins and gets under way, Ben starts making changes in how he lives and views his last moments. He speaks his mind, plays football, and goes after the hottest girl in school, Dallas Suzuki. Ben does finally tell his family and friends and suffers through some heartbreaks, mainly Dallas being extremely upset at him for not telling her in the beginning. Ben does die before the end of the novel and you are left with that feeling of emptiness. Ben has definitely made me question if I am doing everything I could be with my moments here. This novel would best suit from 15 on up. It would be a great discussion starter for having students analyze their own life and life decisions. 

Please Ignore Vera Dietz

Please Ignore Vera Dietz

By: A.S. King

King, A. S., & Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. (2010). Please ignore Vera Dietz. New York: Alfred A. Knopf

Summary and Response:
This novel is a great read for any student who might be experiencing troubles at home or has a friend that is headed down the wrong track. Vera and Charlie have lived next door to each other for their entire lives and have developed a strong kinship. Vera is being raised by only her father and is often stifled by him and his desire for Vera to mature early and quickly. Charlie lives with both his parents but must endure his fathers verbal and physical abuse on both him and his mother. As Vera and Charlie head into the end of their high school years Charlie heads down the wrong path and ends up dating an extremely troubled girl, Jenny. Charlie gets caught up in this type of life and shuts Vera out. The story is told after Charlie has died and Vera knows the secret circling his death and the pet store fire. Vera "sees" Charlie everywhere and over the course of the novel she comes to terms with her friend, his death, and making the wrong semi right. 

Shiver

Shiver

By: Maggie Stiefvater

Stiefvater, M., Stengel, C., & Scholastic Press. (2009). Shiver. New York: Scholastic Press.

Summary and Response:

Shiver is told from alternating points of view of Sam and Grace. Sam is a werewolf who is human during the warmer seasons and shape shifts into a werewolf when the weather is cold. Sam does not want to be a werewolf but has no choice. Grace is a human who was attacked by a pack of wolves when she was younger. Grace in turn instead of being scared of the wolves has developed an affection for the wolves and especially for who she calls "her" wolf, Sam. The two first meet, both as humans, when Sam has been shot and is lying on her back porch. Shiver  details Sam and Grace's relationship and growing love for each other. The only catch is that this is Sam's last season being able to turn back into a human, once it is cold he will stay a wolf forever. I personally did not love this novel. I had to push myself to read each and every page. Sure, there were some sentences and phrases that I liked but as a whole I just could not get into it. It is definitely a fantasy and seems so much like Twilight (and yes I did not like that novel either). This novel is best used with high school students, although some junior high students would be able to read and understand it if they are at a high reading level. 

Winger

Winger

By: Andrew Smith

Smith, A. (2013). Winger. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

Summary and Response:

Winger is centered around the life of a 14 year old boy, Ryan Dean West, who is a genius and in the 11th grade at Pine Mountain Academy. Ryan Dean is one of those characters that just about anyone can relate to whether they see a little of themselves in him or know someone they went to school with that was a Ryan Dean.  He is a fun loving, hilarious, sex crazed, athletic teenager. This novel goes through Ryan's junior year chronicling the everyday events that happen to him. Due to a small theft, Ryan is spending his time in Opportunity Hall, a dorm for the "behavioral challenges" at the school. Ryan is trying desperately to fit in and not be seen as the little kid anymore. Through his dying love and affection for his best friend Annie, rooming with the typical dumb jock, and becoming friends with the out of the closet gay kid, Ryan has moments of ups and downs.  Winger takes you on an emotional journey and all of the characters reactions, especially at the end when Joey (the gay kid) is brutally beaten to death are so real and palpable. A great follow up read from this novel could be Jumping Off Swings by Jo Knowles.

MidwinterBlood

MidwinterBlood

By: Marcus Sedgwick

Sedgwick, M. (2013). Midwinterblood. New York: Roaring Brook Press.

2014 Winner if the Printz Award

Award Link

Note: This award is given to a  book that exemplifies literary excellence in young adult literature.

Summary: This is a complex interwoven tale of a man and woman who are connected deeply.  The story begins in 2073 when a journalist, Eric Seven goes to the island of Blessed.  Here he meets Merle, a woman he is sure he has met before.  The island is beautiful but strange.  No one ages and there are no children.  As you work your way through the story you are working backwards.  You see Eric and Merle unite as mother and son, artist and friend, lovers, and even siblings.  You are eventually taken all the way back to the 10th century.  All the tales are inter weaved with the present Eric and Merle, who are destined to be together and die together for the seventh time.  

If you enjoy MidwinterBlood, check out these books!

Eleanor & Park

Eleanor & Park

By: Rainbow Rowell

Rowell, R. (2013). Eleanor & park. London: Orion Books.

2014 Printz Award Honor Book

Award Link

Note: This award is given to a book that exemplifies literary excellence in young adult literature. 

Summary: It is 1986 in Omaha.  Park is a half Korean teenage boy who has a good life.  Eleanor is new and doesn't quite fit in.  Eleanor rides the bus and Park reluctantly lets her sit next to him.  As the days go on they soon realize they have a lot in common and their relationship turns into a friendship and then into love.  Park helps Eleanor through her life.  He does not save her specifically but helps give her strength to make it through her awful home life of abuse, neglect, poverty, and her step-father.  The end of this story is somewhat misleading.  You do not truly know what happens between Eleanor and Park.  You do hope for the best and are crossing your fingers that they come together again.

Check out the titles below for more Young Adult Fiction you should love if Eleanor and Park was a favorite of yours. 

Speak

Speak

By: Laurie Halse Anderson

Anderson, L. H. (1999). Speak. New York: Farrar Straus Giroux.

Summary and Response:

In this startling and hard hitting novel, Melinda is beginning 9th grade and has become a self selected mute. Other students think she is weird and her parents and teachers are seeing this as a sign of delinquency. We soon find out that Melinda has become silent due to a party she attended over the summer where she was raped. Melinda called the cops and they busted the party but she fled before explaining why she called the police. Through the school year Melinda struggles with what has happened to her. She finds an outlet in her art class as she figures out how to draw trees and through a boy she meets in science class. Melinda finally begins to overcome the trauma of her rape as she tries to help an ex best friend get away from the same boy who raped her. Because of the subject matter, this novel would best be suited for your high school level students. I can see this novel being used as a basis for beginning a research unit on sexual crimes.

Persepolis

Persepolis

By: Marjane Satrapi

Satrapi, M. (2003). Persepolis. New York, NY: Pantheon Books.

Summary and Response:

This graphic novel is truly two stories in one. We follow young Marjane Satrapi from the age of 6 to 14 as she tries to figure herself out through clothing, music, and her voice. She is considered a rebel and always testing the world and society around her. As we see her begin to grow up, we are told about the environment she is enduring. The Islamic Revolution is happening in Iran at this time and she is often surrounded by bombings and fundamentalist power. The two are intertwined wonderfully through the black and white drawings. They are comic strip style and bring forth the emotion, the strife, and the social consequences. By the end of the novel Marjane's parents decide to send her to Austria alone to have a better life and education. It definitely makes you want to read the next installment to see where life takes her next. This would be a great book to discuss the impact our societies can have on our own identities and growth.

The Knife of Never Letting Go

The Knife of Never Letting Go

By: Patrick Ness

Ness, P. (2008). The knife of never letting go. Boston, MA: Candlewick Press.

Summary and Response:
Told in first person stream of consciousness, we are taken into Todd's life as he is on the verge of becoming a man. We learn that years ago an alien race called Spackle killed off all the woman in  Prentisstown and left the men with "The Noise" germ. this means that every man can hear each others thoughts, so there are no secrets. We see that most often these thoughts are deceitful and vengeful. One day Todd and his faithful dog Manchee go out to the swamp and find a spot where "The Noise" is gone. Upon finding this Todd has to leave the town for he is in danger now. Todd ends up meeting the first woman he has ever seen, Viola. Together they journey from town to town trying to stay safe but the army (the men from Prentisstown) keep coming and slaughtering everyone. Eventually Manshee is killed and Todd has to carry a dying Viola to the town of Haven. The novel ends on a huge cliffhanger and is part of what makes this novel an excellent read. Because of the stream of consciousness, a lot of Todd's thoughts are grammatically incorrect. It would be great to use these portions to review revising and editing rules. It is also a great story to make predictions on what will happen in the next book using textual evidence for support.