LSSL 5385 Module 2 Book Reviews

Title:  Living Beyond Borders 

Bibliography: 

Longoria, M. (2022). Living Beyond Borders: Growing Up Mexican in America (M. Longoria, Ed.). Penguin Young Readers Group.

ISBN:  978-0593204986

Summary: 

Living Beyond Borders is an anthology that contains 20 works by multiple prize-winning Mexican-American writers and artists.  This book was edited by South Texas librarian and book blogger Margarita Longoria. In Living Beyond Borders, Mexican American authors share stories about their experiences crossing borders, overcoming struggles, and navigating two cultures.  

Critical Analysis:

Living Beyond Borders is a powerful, entertaining, and very informative anthology.  It offers 20 short stories, essays, and poems written by award-winning Mexican-American authors.  The stories range from experiences of crossing the border, to the way they have dealt with certain struggles and how they overcame them.  As a Mexican-American myself, I can say that I felt a connection as soon as I started reading this book.  The stories hit close to home.  I have not experienced many of the issues mentioned in this book, but surely know people who have.  Stories such as Ghetto Is Not An Adjective by Dominic Carrillo, mention certain things that I was immediately drawn to.  It made me realize how so many of us share thoughts and feelings on situations such as being caught in the middle of two cultures.  

  

This story collection is aimed at young-adult readers, however, older readers can easily be drawn into the stories shared in this book. These stories can cause multiple emotions in any reader.  In this book, the author presents the issues in a beautiful way and makes the reader feel connected to what he/she has been through.  Undoubtedly, it is one of the best books I have ever read.  

Review Excerpts:

*"This superb anthology of short stories, comics, and poems is fresh, funny, and full of authentic YA voices revealing what it means to be Mexican American . . . Not to be missed."--SLC, starred review

 

*"Superlative . . . A memorable collection." --Booklist, starred review

*"Voices reach out from the pages of this anthology . . . It will make a lasting impression on all readers." --SLJ, starred review

Connections:

Related books:

¡Ándale, Prieta!

Wild Tongues Can't Be Tamed: 15 Voices from the Latinx Diaspora

Title:  What My Mother Doesn't Know

Bibliography:

Sones, S. (2013). What My Mother Doesn't Know. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

ISBN:  978-1442493858

Summary:

What My Mother Doesn't Know is a young adult novel in verse by Sonya Sones. This novel follows the journey of ninth-grader Sophie Stein as she struggles through the experiences of being a freshman in high school, ongoing issues with her parents, and her multiple romantic relationships.  Sophie is completely infatuated with boys and wants to find the right one.  After she breaks up with her boyfriend Dylan, she immediately looks for another relationship.  After an unsuccessful attempt, she finds love in the school geek, Murphy.  

Critical Analysis:

What My Mother Doesn't Know is a young adult novel which can definitely be enjoyed by this age group.  I am not sure that other age groups could relate as much as a teenager going through similar situations.  In this novel, high school romantic relationships are the focus. Possibly the conflict could have been more on the difficult relationship Sophie had with her mother, but instead the emphasis was on Sophie dating this great guy who happens to not be popular or handsome.  It also focuses on the fear Sophie feels about introducing him to her friends and how that will be embarrassing for her.  I know these topics are something common for teens, but I wish there had been more focus on something else.  Perhaps something that could have revealed more about Sophie's inner life.

Overall, the novel was a good read that is probably quite appealing to young adults.  

Even though I am not a big fan of novels written in verse, I was able to go through this book and enjoyed the story.  

Awards Won:

Chosen an American Library Association Best Books for Young Adults (2002) 

Chosen an American Library Association Top Ten Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers (2002)

Named an International Reading Association Young Adults' Choice (2003)

Review Excerpts:

"Booklist" Starred review Fast, funny, touching.

"Entertainment Weekly" Winning.

"Publishers Weekly" Honest...destined to captivate.

Kirkus Reviews Starred review A verse experience that will leave readers sighing with recognition and satisfaction.

Connections:

Other books by Sonya Sones:

What My Girlfriend Doesn't Know 

To Be Perfectly Honest (A Novel Based on an Untrue Story)

Stop Pretending

Title:  My Friend Dahmer

Bibliography:

Backderf, D. (2012). My Friend Dahmer.. New York: Abrams

ISBN:  978-1419702174

Summary:

My Friend Dahmer is a graphic novel and memoir in which Derf Backderf writes about his recollection of what Jeffrey Dahmer was like when he attended school with him in Ohio during the 1970’s. Dahmer and Jeff met in seventh grade, when Jeffrey was a shy, quiet boy. As time progressed and they transitioned into high school, Jeffrey started acting out.  He faked seizures and would frequently be intoxicated in school.  His parents split and this made things even harder for him.  All of this happens while he battles other internal issues such as his sexuality. Dahmer was gay, but was ashamed of it and wanted no one to know about it.  Once he graduated from high school, he found his first murder victim, a hitchhiker. This was only the beginning to a series of murders he commits before he gets caught.

Critical Analysis:

I have to admit that this novel evoked an emotional response from me.  After watching a documentary on Jeffrey Dahmer, I was familiar with his case but never thought this book would change my perspective.  As questioned in the book, could someone have intervened and prevented Dahmer from killing several people?  I guess we’ll never know, but it is a question that probably many of us wonder about.  As an educator, I feel that it is important to invest time in getting to know our students. I feel that stories like My Friend Dahmer, are a great way to bring awareness to issues such as children and teens who are acting out and how they may be struggling with something darker than what it seems.  These novels also offer an opportunity to better understand certain cases.

In Derf Backderf's graphic novel, the reader becomes part of the story. Backderf uses graphics that help the reader understand what he is trying to convey. This book offers several themes.  Among them is the theme of how you might think you know someone, when in reality you have no idea what they are like or what they are going through. I feel this is a message that Backderf makes perfectly clear and along with it, encourages empathy.  

This was the first time I read a memoir in graphic format. It was a very interesting read, strong but interesting.  I feel like the author wrote this story as a way to cope with “guilty feelings” but at the same time has offered the reader a different perspective to this case. 

Awards Won:

Alex Awards, 2013

Great Graphic Novels for Teens, 2013

Review Excerpts:

“An exemplary demonstration of the transformative possibilities of graphic narrative.” – Kirkus Reviews

Connections:

Other books by Derf Backderf:

Trashed

Punk Rock and Trailer Parks

Kent State: Four Dead in Ohio

Related books:

Did You Hear What Eddie Gein Done?

Green River Killer: A True Detective Story

LSSL 5385 Module 1 Book Reviews

 Title:  Speak

Bibliography: 

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

ISBN:  978-0374371524

Summary: 

In the summer before high school, Melinda is raped by one of the soon to be be seniors at her new high school. After not being able to speak due to the trauma, the operator sends officers and the party is stopped. Everyone blames Melinda for calling the cops on the party when she actually is going through a tough time due to the rape. Her trauma is compounded by the abandonment and rejection of her best friend and classmates. Additionally, Melinda has a hard time talking to her parents.  Since Melinda feels like she is not able to speak to anyone about her rape, she focuses on art. The same situation occurs again during the school year, however this time she has witnesses.  She is finally able to speak about it and slowly gets back on track with her life.

Critical Analysis:

Speak is an excellent young adult novel which deals with a very strong topic, rape. There is a wide range of emotions felt throughout the story.  The reader is able to join Melinda in her traumatic journey.  One can feel Melinda’s frustration of wanting to suppress the memory of the terrible event, as well as wanting to talk about it.  To me, this novel presents a sense of empowerment.  Even though Melinda struggles tremendously while trying to voice out her problem, she is able to overcome it.  This accomplishment also demonstrates that there is always hope.  Additionally, this excellent novel may be able to inspire having empathy for others, as it takes us through a topic which is not openly talked about. It shows that no one really knows what someone else is going through and people should always be considerate.  

Without a doubt, Speak presents feelings, emotions, topics, and themes that may be a bit controversial but of utmost importance to readers.   The novel addresses a topic that is often kept silent, but it shows that talking about it is often the only way out.  “There is no magic cure, no making it all go away forever. There are only small steps upward; an easier day, an unexpected laugh, a mirror that doesn’t matter anymore” (Anderson, pg. 278).

Awards Won:

Michael L. Printz Award

Edgar Allan Poe Award Finalist

National Book Award Finalist

Review Excerpts:

"Speaking out at the 'wrong' time-calling 911 from a teen drinking party-has made Melinda a social outcast; now she barely speaks at all. . .While Melinda's smart and savvy interior narrative slowly reveals the searing pain of that 911 night, it also nails the high-school experience cold. . .An uncannily funny book even as it plumbs the darkness, Speak will hold readers from first word to last." --Starred, The Horn Book

Connections:

Other books by Laurie H. Anderson:

Wintergirls

Fever 1793

Chains (The Seeds of America Trilogy)

Related books:

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Looking for Alaska by John Green

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

If You Come Softly by Jacqueline Woodson

Title:  I'll Give You the Sun 

Bibliography:

Nelson, J. (2015). I'll Give You the Sun. Penguin Young Readers Group.

ISBN:  978-0142425763

Summary:

Since day one, twins Noah and Jude Sweetwine have been inseparable. However, as they enter their teenage years, things start to change. They both start competing for their mother’s attention, as well as with their art. At the same time, they also struggle with finding their own identities.  Noah is gay and in love with Brian, and Jude places her attention on being a teenage girl.  To make things worse, the twins learn their mother is having an affair and wants to divorce their father.  After a tragic accident, they face the sadness of losing their mother.  Later, Jude starts attending California School of the Arts, but not Noah, due to her never submitting his application.  Jude struggles with her art so she is sent to a mentor who she later learns was the man who was having an affair with her mother.  Meanwhile, Noah is taking dangerous dives from a cliff thinking that his mother’s ghost is there to help him to safety.  After Jude and her friend Oscar save Noah from one such jump, the twins and their father are able to talk about everything and reconnect.  

Critical Analysis:

I’ll Give You the Sun, by Jandy Nelson, is an incredible novel that takes the reader through a roller coaster of events and emotions.  In this novel, we are able to follow the lives of twins Jude and Noah.  Their sibling rivalry is present through pretty much the whole story but ends with a beautiful message.  Despite much conflict, the siblings manage to repair their relationship.  The writing is incredible giving the opportunity for both siblings to give their side of their own story.  

The flow of this story is quite interesting.  The twins’ bond is beautifully presented throughout the story even when there are struggles between them.  Their issues and separation happens gradually instead of overnight like in most other stories.  Despite their numerous differences, the twins share a very strong bond.

I’ll Give You the Sun is most definitely a must read.  It shares an exceptional story that may resonate in the life of many readers.  So many topics and themes are shared beautifully in this novel.

Awards Won:

Michael L. Printz Award

Stonewall Honor

Review Excerpts:

* "A resplendent novel...Art and wonder fill each page."—School Library Journal, starred review

* "In an electric style evoking the highly visual imaginations of the young narrators, Nelson captures the fraught, antagonistic, yet deeply loving relationship Jude and Noah share."—Booklist, starred review

"Told in poetic prose with the barest hint of magical realism . . . a compelling meditation on love, grief, sexuality, family, and fate."—Horn Book

Connections:

Other books by Jandy Nelson:

The Sky Is Everywhere

The Fall Boys and Dizzy in Paradise

Related books:

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

Lovely, Dark and Deep by Amy McNamara

The Good Sister by Jaime Kain

There Will Come a Time by Carrie Arcos

Title:  Firekeeper’s Daughter

Bibliography:

Boulley, A. (2023). Firekeeper's Daughter. Square Fish.

ISBN:  978-1250866035

Summary:

In the novel Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley, Daunis Fontaine, an 18-year old with a French mother and an Ojibwe father, struggles to find a balance between protecting her Native American heritage and helping the FBI in the investigation of a meth epidemic.  After tragedy strikes her family, she puts her dreams of going out to college on hold and stays home to take care of her fragile mother.  Her involvement with the FBI begins then.  Her undercover work uncovers numerous secrets, making the investigation much more complex.  She is faced with many troubles that nearly cost her her life, but at the end, is able to bring justice to those affected by the drug use and learns to what it is to be a strong Ojibwe woman.  

Critical Analysis:

Firekeeper’s Daughter is just an incredible piece that I could not put down!  It keeps the reader entertained from beginning to end.  I have to admit that at first I felt as if it had a slow start but as the first event unfolded, I felt like it just took off. 

I really liked how the main character, Daunis Fontaine, is described at the beginning.  I feel like it really helped understand her actions later in the story.  Her love for science makes her the perfect person to involve in such a case.  Also, her struggle of finding that balance between two worlds is something that many readers can connect to, making this story even more special.  

In addition, the rest of the characters contributed greatly to the story.  Despite the numerous characters and events throughout the novel, I was able to follow the story with no problem.  The way this novel is written just brings the story to life in a very particular way.  Sadly, drug use and its consequences is another topic that many can relate to.  

Overall, I think this novel was great!  A reader can connect with the story because it addresses so many topics that are prevalent in today's world.

 

Awards Won:

A Printz Medal Winner

A Morris Award Winner

An American Indian Youth Literature Award YA Honor Book

Review Excerpts:

"Boulley, herself an enrolled member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, writes from a place of love for her community and shares some key teachings from her culture, even mixing languages within the context of the story. She doesn't shy away from or sugar-coat the very real circumstances that plague reservations across the country, and she tackles these through her biracial hero who gets involved in the criminal investigation into the corruption that led to this pain. An incredible thriller, not to be missed." ―Booklist, Starred Review

"This suspenseful upper-YA novel will keep readers wondering who Daunis can trust." ―Horn Book, Starred Review

"A suspenseful tale filled with Ojibwe knowledge, hockey, and the politics of status." ―Kirkus Reviews

Connections:

Related books:

Hearts Unbroken By Cynthia Leitich Smith

Give Me Some Truth By Eric Gangsworth

Sadie By Courtney Summers