YOUNG ADULT READING RECORD

 

 

     Blos, Joan W. (1979).  A Gathering of Days: A New England Girl’s Journal, 1830-32.  New York: Aladdin Paperbacks.

     This Newbery Award winner is written in a diary format.  The writer is Catherine, 14 years old, who lives in New Hampshire with her father and sister. Her mother and baby brother died years ago.  Her journal chronicles her daily life-school, chores, the harshness of winters and the joys of summers. In addition, it deals with her struggles with her father’s new wife and her son, the influence of the teacher Mr. Holt who supports the freedom of slaves as opposed to her father’s opinion that slaves should be relocated to Africa.  There is an underlying fear of helping a shadowy stranger or doing what the Bible says is right. The death of Catherine’s best friend brings Catherine and her stepmother closer, as well as discovering that “we are all joined” in this world.   Although I really love historical fiction, this was a somewhat difficult to get through. I felt that children 8 to 12 years old might enjoy it but would need some discussion about the history of the time, the language and the customs in order to understand this book.  It could be used in a History unit, Language Arts unit, and in discussions about families and death.

 

Canales, Viola (2005).  The Tequila Worm. New York: Random House, Inc.

      This young adult book recently won the Pura Belpre award.  The autobiographical format is engaging, the use of Spanish words adds to the authenticity of the story, and the message is a strong one: you can be who you put your mind to be.  Sophia is an introspective, intelligent young Hispanic girl who is torn between her culture and her desire to seek what is outside that culture.  It is a wonderful and emotional story of rites of passages in a young woman’s life, told humorously.  This book is written for a teen audience ages 12 and up, but adults will surely appreciate it.

 

Cushman, Karen (1994).  Catherine, Called Birdy.  New York : HarperCollins Publishers.

     This Newbery Honor Award winner is a young adult book which will appeal to readers in grades 6 through 12.  It is an historical fiction diary of 13^th century Catherine, whose father is a lesser English nobleman intent of marrying Catherine off for riches.  Catherine is forced to endure her father’s bad manners, frequent beatings and unsuccessful attempts to marry her off while her mother and former nanny prepare her to be a decent “lady”.  Catherine is extremely strong willed and determined for her time, and will certainly be a role model for young women today.  The language is rich but sometimes difficult to understand, although it provides much information about life at this time.  It would be wonderful to use in a Social Studies unit and a teacher could have her students act out a scene or two with props and simple costumes. This book also provides the opportunity for further research into the customs, food and religion of the period. 

 

Ewing, Lynne (1998).  Drive-by.  New York:  Harper Trophy.

      This past Arizona Young Reader Award nominee is a powerful story about a boy, Tito, whose big brother and hero, Jimmy is gunned down by gang members.  Written in the first person narrative, the reader can feel what Tito is feeling.  Tito is pushed into filling Jimmy’s shoes as “man of the family” while avenging his brother’s death.  It may be too graphic for younger readers, but teens will grasp the realism of this book.  It could be an integral part of discussions regarding gangs, and doing what is right.

It is emotional, not too in depth, and has a powerful message.

 

Going, K.L. (2005). The Liberation of Gabriel King.  New York: G. P. Putnam’s Sons.

     This young adult book for readers in grades 5-8 is historical fiction set in Georgia in 1976.  Gabriel is a small white boy going into fifth grade; Frita is a black girl who befriends Gabe despite the town’s separatist feelings.  The clear text describes the fears of the characters in depth.  Gabe overcomes many of his fears with Frita’s help and reciprocates when he discovers Frita’s own fears.  Teachers can use this as a supplement in a Social studies lesson, or in a unit about friendship while public library’s can use it for a book club for Black History month.

 

 

Horvath, Polly (2001).  Everything on a waffle. New York:  Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

      Since this has been chosen as this year’s ONEBOOKAZ for kids, I looked forward to reading Horvath’s Newbery Honor book. It did not disappoint me! It was a perhaps impossible premise, that Primrose’s parents disappear in a storm off the coast of British Columbia, that the town provides care for her until her long lost uncle appears, and that her parents do indeed return.  Kids could relate to Primrose and her mishaps: she routinely loses “digits”; with her determination that her parents will return; and with the fact that she is a loner, and outcast.  The setting in British Columbia may provide some ELL’s another opportunity to relate to this book, as well as the proper British character of Miss Honeycut.  Horvath handles the deeper issues with humor so all children from fourth grade and older will enjoy this book.   I look forward to discussing this book with children during April.

 

Kadohata, Cynthia (2004).  Kira-Kira.  New York:  Atheneum Books for Young Readers.

           Kadohata won the Newbery Award for this moving book about the love of two Japanese American sisters, their family and prejudice in the South.  Katie’s older sister Lynn takes Katie under her wing, as their parents work long and hard. Katie idolizes Lynn, but as they move from the beauty and freedom of the countryside of Iowa to the bleakness of rural Georgia, changes in both girls strain their relationship but ultimately draw them closer.  Girls will most likely relate to this book more than boys will, as sisterly love/hate is a special bond.  ELL students may find this book both haunting and comforting from the perspective of the isolation of the Japanese families in the small town, the misinterpretation of people that Katie and her family meet on their trip to Georgia, and the long hours and tedious work that her parents perform, yet Katie is able to see “kira-kira” in most everything, she takes her little brother under her wing and she becomes friends with Silly. In the end, Lynn’s death provides the opportunity for changes in the family: her mother reaches out to another family, her father stands up to Mr. Lyndon and the family’s vacation to California made them appreciate Lynn all the more.  I found this book to be very moving!

 

Mac Grory, Yvonne (2002).  Emma and the Ruby Ring.  Illus. Terry Myler.  Minneapolis:  Milkweed Editions.

     This book for young adults is part fantasy and part historical fiction.  Set in England, Emma is perceived as spoiled and selfish by her relatives.  Inadvertently putting on her cousin’s “magic” ring, Emma wishes that she could prove them wrong.  She is then transported back in time to help two young girls find their family and solve the mystery of the youngest sister.  It is fast paced and contains historical elements.  The ending will surprise the reader!  It would be good to use as a class red aloud or to supplement a lesson about the history of England, and is a good choice for a public library book club.

 

Mac Lachlan, Patricia (1985). Sarah, plain and tall. New York :Harper Trophy.

     This Newbery Award winner reflects prairie life and the many hardships which had to be endured, including loneliness.  Written in simple language, this short book tells a powerful message of strength, perseverance and the innate need to love and be loved.  Caleb and Anna’s mother died giving birth to Caleb and Papa has decided now it is time, many years later, to search for happiness and a new love.  Sarah, from a coastal town in Maine, responds to his ad for a new wife.  She agrees to come to the prairie for one month, to see if it will work out. Despite the fact that she loves the children, and Papa, she is having a difficult time adjusting to her new life without the sea. A neighbor, Maggie, was also a mail order wife, and her sensitivity to Sarah’s trouble adjusting comforts Sarah. Maggie’s comment, “There is always something to miss, no matter where you are” makes Sarah realize that it is natural to miss people and things, but she now has new people who love her and a new home to love.  The theme of love and loss is one that touches us all.  This book is generally used in fourth grade history units, and the reading level is for children ages 8-10.

 history of England, and is a good choice for a public library book club.

 

Osa, Nancy (2003).  Cuba 15.  New York: Delacorte Press.

      This young adult book is recommended for grades 6 through 10, and won the Pura Belpre Honor award.  It is a hysterical look at one Cuban-American girl’s wacky family, her resistance to her grandmother’s insistence that she have a quinceanero, and her struggle to discover her Cuban roots.  Although the main character, Violet Paz, is Cuban, her story is universal for all teenagers.  Teachers could use this book in a Social Studies unit, in a Speech and Drama class or as a tool in a writing class; young adult librarians might find that it is a great monthly book discussion title.  It is truly a humorous coming of age novel.

 

Paulsen, Gary (1995).  The Tent: a parable in one sitting.  San Diego: Harcourt Brace.

      This young adult book is unlike any other Paulsen book.  Its theme is spirituality and guilt.  Steven and his 37 year old dad Corey embark on a get rich quick scheme-travel from rural town to the next one to preach.  They are amazed at their success and meet up with two con men, Davis and Jamey, who introduce the element of “healing”.  Although, Steven knows it is a sham, he begins to enjoy the money and its benefits. However, his father becomes someone Steven cannot stand. Suddenly, Corey actually reads the bible and is transformed-they continue preaching but with actual faith and truth. It was hard to stop reading this book as it takes the reader through various emotions and you are never really sure who believes.

 

Ryan, Pam Munoz (2004).  Becoming Naomi Leon.  New York: Scholastic Press.

        Ryan does an excellent job of telling the tale of Naomi and her brother, Owen, who have been abandoned and are being raised by their grandmother.  Their mother, Skyla, appears one day and is determined to take Naomi, only, with her.  Gram, always the optimist, is concerned and devises a plan with her friends to take the children to Mexico to find their father.  The characters and plot are well defined, and the courage that Naomi finds is inspiring.  This wonderful book is perfect for a public library book discussion, and teachers can use it as a supplement to a Hispanic social studies unit, or a lesson about families.

 

Spinelli, Jerry (2000).  Stargirl.  New York: Alfred A. Knopf.

     This young adult novel is an Arizona Young Reader Award winner for 2003.  Its theme is a universal one: be an individual and be true to yourself.  This is such an important message for teens and Spinelli handles it with humor and sincerity.  The main character, Leo, is entranced by the new girl in school.  Stargirl (or Susan) is a free spirit who eventually wins everyone over with her enthusiasm. However, when she falls out of favor with the student, Leo is faced with standing up for her or joining the others.  It is a wistful and heartfelt tale of coming of age.

 

Woodson, Jacqueline (2000).  Miracle’s Boys.  New York: Penguin Group.

     Winner of the 2000 Los Angeles Times Young Adult Fiction award, this realistic fiction book is captivating, emotional and complex. It realistically depicts the struggles of growing up, especially without parents and in a crime ridden and gang infested corner of New York.  Mystery and secrets surround the death of the father of Tyree, Charlie and Lafayette as well as their mother, Miracle.  Each boy struggles with their demons: Tyree gave up a scholarship to MIT to care for his brothers, Charlie thinks he is a “nobody”  and gets involved with gang members to show he is somebody, and Lafayette thinks that he is responsible for Miracle’s death.  This book is well written,  uses honest language and is thought provoking.  Since it has been made into a movie, it would a good book to read and discuss, and then see the movie as a tie in for a Teen book discussion group at the public library.