Multi-Cultural

Title: Autobiography of My Dead Brother
Author: Walter Dean Myers
Awards: 2005 National Book Award Finalist for Young People's Literature

Summary: Rise and Jesse were best friends who soon became blood brothers. Even though Rise and Jesse were a few years apart they still acted like they were brothers. They joined a community group called “The Counts”. If anything was bothering them, they would speak their minds no matter what the cost was.

Years later Rise began to become a stranger to Jesse. Rise began to listen to different music, change his look, and hardly talked to Jesse. This began to frighten Jesse. He was scared that his childhood friend might be getting into trouble. Jesse’s blood brother had vanished and left behind an unknown person. Rise was getting involved with gangs while Jesse was getting involved with his art. Jesse wanted to talk to Rise and tell him that he wasn’t the person he grew up with anymore, but it was like he was ignoring him.

As time goes by Jesse calls Rise and asks him if they could hangout just like old times. Rise tells Jesse that he is thinking about joining a certain gang. Jesse goes on to tell Rise how stupid he thinks it is to get involved in a gang. Rise listens to Jesse and tells him that he wants to make a change in his life. Then he asks Jesse to write his autobiography. Rise also tells Jesse he is thinking about moving to New York.

The days pass by and "The Counts" have a meeting. They interview a new kid who is interested in joining the club. They call him "Little Man." They end up rejecting him and soon Little Man joins the gang called “The Diablos”. Jesse goes to tell Rise that only he can finish his biography himself because Jesse could never leave his home and follow Rise all the way to New York. Rise pulls up to Say goodbye and Little Man shows up and shoots Rise because he was rejected from joining The Counts. It's at this point that Jesse had promised Rise that he would finish the autobiography and publish it in honor of his blood brother Rise.

Reaction: I think this book would be good for teens to read especially males. Students who live in the inner city would really benefit from reading this book as well. I thought the story line of the book was really good but for some reason the book didn't really hook me. I think it was well written, but I was expecting a little more excitement and suspense. At first it took me a little while to get used to the dialect of the characters, but I was able to comprehend everything that they were saying. I did enjoy the illustrations in the book. I think it really added to the story.

Recommendation: I would recommend this book to males in grades 7 and up. Females could read it as well, but I think males would enjoy it more since the main characters are males.

Book talk hook:
"It's a shame for a child to go so young like that," Miss Essie Lassiter was saying. "It should have been somebody old, like me. Jesse, do the police have any idea who it was who shot him?"

"No, ma'm."

"That's the terrible thing about it," Miss Lassiter said. "First there's one shooting, and then there's a shooting getting even with that one, and people don't know when to stop."

"Yes, ma'am."

Bobby had a big family and they could afford only one official funeral car, so not too many people were going out to the cemetery. I watched as Miss Lassiter, who went to everybody's funeral, got in one of the cars. A moment later they were pulling away from the church.

*I would also use a document camera to show some of the illustrations in the book.

Edgy Book

Title: ttyl
Author: Lauren Myracle

Summary: This book is composed of instant messaging conversations between 3 sophmore girls named Maddie, Zoe, and Angela. They are best friends and their conversations range from a variety of topics including boysfriends, unfair parents, sex, annoying classmates, and much more. They are able to show their personalities and emotions very successfully through the messages they type to one another. Each character deals with their own problems and issues and rely on their other friends for support. The book is filled with typical teenage gossip and drama that is sure to keep the attention of the reader.

Reaction: At first I wasn't sure about reading a book that was entirely composed of instant messaging conversations. However, I really enjoyed this book. I thought it might be hard to follow the different conversations going on, but I found it really easy to follow. I used to IM a lot so that probably helped me when reading this book. I was very surprised about some of the language and conversations that were brought up in the book. On page 2 of the book one of the characters started talking about a classmate who needed to shave her pubes. I knew this book was an "edgy" book but I thought it might have eased in to some of the controversial issues that parents have a problem with. Though, that was not the case. A few of the surpising topics I read about were having relationships with teachers, sex, penises, and cumming. The girls also used foul language throughout some of their conversations as well. I actually thought the book was really humorous. I was actually laughing out loud when reading some of the conversations. My husband was curious as to why I was laughing so I had to read him the conversations as well. The conversations between the characters seem extremely realistic. Many teenage girls talk about the things I mentioned above. I can see why this book would be appealing to them. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like parents are fans of the book.

Recommendation: I'm not sure I would actually give this to any of the students to read. I would make the book available in the library so students would have access to it, but I would be afraid to recommend the book to an individual in fear that the parents may get upset. I would not put this book in a middle or junior high school. It should definitely be placed in a high school library.

Book talk hook:

SnowAngel: aarrghh :(
zoegirl: well, hello to u 2.
SnowAngel: aarrghh
zoegirl: something bothering u?
SnowAngel: Chrissy dropped my face brush into the toilet!!!
zoegirl: huh?
SnowAngel: my hinoki polishing facial brush--IN THE TOILET!!!
*stomps on picture of Chrissy*
zoegirl: u brush ur your face?
SnowAngel: u r missing the point. my sister dropped my face brush into the toilet, which was, yes, currently in use. by HER. AND she's got strep, so her pee is all orange from antibiotics. *stomp stomp stomp*
zoegirl: i take it ur not happy about this.
SnowAngel: would u be? i use my face brush to wash my FACE. u know, instead of a washcloth. it lifts away dead cells while improving circulation.
zoegirl: u don't say
SnowAngel: AND I JUST THIS VERY SECOND USED IT!!! AFTER SHE DROPPED IT IN THE FREAKIN TOILET!!!!!!!
zoegirl: ewww. why?
SnowAngel: *pulls hair from roots* cuz she didn't TELL me until just now! she thought i'd be mad!
zoegirl: so basically u washed your face in chrissy's stinky orange pee?
SnowAngel: u r not being helpful. *stomps on picture of zoe AND picture of chrissy*

Graphic Novel

Title: The Death of Captain America: The Burden of Dreams
Author: Ed Brubaker
Awards: Eisner Award Winner

Summary: There are 4 volumes of the Captain America series. The Burden of Dreams is the second volume. The book opens with two of the main characters, Sharon Carter and Bucky, captured by the Red Skull, one is brainwashed into serving him and the other is being tortured and brainwashed. Even as the Red Skull fights to keep control of his ally General Lukin, no one is in complete control of themselves or their actions. The Red Skull does not have as strong of a hold over everyone as he likes to think and Bucky soon winds up on a shield helicarrier under the control of Tony Stark.

The story line is centered around the character Bucky. Bucky ends up wearing Captain America's uniform and also uses his shield. However, just because he looks like Captain America, doesn't mean he can replace Captain America. Brubaker illustrates
that there is more to the hero than the clothes and the shield. It's the man who is wearing those clothes who is important. Steve Rogers wasn't a hero because he was Captain America. He was Captain America because he was a hero first. That's the man he was, sacrificing himself in his last moments to save one of his guards from the assassins bullet. Brubaker continues to show that Bucky Barnes was a fighter and that he was loyal but his heroism is still questionable.


Reaction: I had a hard time getting through this graphic novel. Captain America was not on the top of my list to read but the other graphic novels I had wanted to read were not available at the library so I ended up reading this one. I'm not into comics that much so the format of the graphic novel took me awhile to get used to. I had to really pay attention to the illustrations as well as the text in order to comprehend what was going on. Since this was the second volume, I was kind of lost at the beginning of the book. As I continued to read I started being more comfortable with the format and started understanding what was going on. The topic of this graphic novel did not appeal to me at all and I really had a hard time enjoying the book.

Recommendation: Even though I didn't enjoy this book, I think many teenage males would enjoy it. Superheros and stories full of action and violence would probably appeal to many males. There were a few pages that had cuss words on them but they weren't used throughout the entire book so I would recommend this book to students in grades 7 and up. I think male reluctant readers would really enjoy this series.

Book talk hook: Steve Rpgers was often the glue that bound these heroes together in common cause. Now, in the aftermath of his death, they come together again in a desperate attempt to keep his dream alive. But the collapse of Steve Rpgers' dream was just the first step in the wicked machinations of the Red Skull, who is determined to see the death of America follow soon after the death of the Captain. As the Skull's master plan kicks into motion, and chaos begins to take hold of the United States, only one man stands in its way--but is he up to the task?

My Choice (Fantasy)

Title: Everlost
Author: Neal Shusterman

Summary: When teenagers Allie and Nick are killed in a two-car collision, they become tangled with each other in a tunnel going toward a light and wind up in "Everlost." Everlost is a limbo between life and death. After a nine-months' sleep, they wake up to find themselves in a forest, watched over by a boy wearing old-fashioned clothes. The boy teaches them a few key points. For one thing, they must always keep moving, or they will sink straight through the earth. They also get information from books written by a "Mary Hightower," and on their trek back to their homes (the best solution they can come up with to get out of limbo) they meet up with Mary herself-calm, kindly, and mother to hundreds of Everlost children though she is only fifteen. Nick begins to fall in love with Mary, but Allie dislikes her determination to keep everyone following old patterns. In Everlost you have to have a very strong mind because otherwise you will forget who you are and you will forget about your past life. You will end up repeating the same routine day after day without even realizing it. Allie is afraid Nick is going to fall into this pattern and she is determined to save him and herself by escaping from Everlost. Throughout their journey, Allie and Nick find themselves in serious trouble. Between running into a gang and meeting the McGill (Everlost's resident monster), they are bound and determined to escape from any danger they may encounter.

Reaction: For not being much of a fantasy reader I actually enjoyed this book. The description on the back of the book really hooked me so I decided to read it. I think Neal Shusterman does a great job explaining the limbo between life and death. I have always been fascinated about other peoples' perspectives about what happens after you pass away. I think this novel would really get teens to question what they believe. It's an interesting story but it was very enjoyable to read.

Recommendation: I would recommend this book to students in grades 6 and up. I think both boys and girls would be interested in this book because the main characters are a teenage boy and a teenage girl.

Book talk hook: Nick and Allie don't survive the car accident.....but their souls don't exactly get where they're supposed to go either. Instead, they're caught halfway between life and death, in a sort of limbo known as Everlost: a shadow of the living world, filled with all the things and places that no longer exist. It's a magical, yet dangerous place where bands of lost children run wild and anyone who stands in the same place too long sinks to the center of the Earth.

Poetry

Title: I Just Hope It's Lethal: Poems of Sadness, Madness, & Joy
Authors: Liz Rosenberg and Deena November

Summary: Rosenberg and November have arranged this poetry collection that focuses on depression and related themes into five sections. "Sadness without Reason: Moods" contains poems about depression but also about other intense moods experienced in adolescence. Another section explores "the ways in which the world itself can be deranged." A third includes poems about being "crazy in love." Another section is about madness and the final section looks at "the relief of coming up out of a bad period." This anthology is composed of ninety-one poems that allow for the inclusion of the expected but also the unexpected. There are a wide range of styles from poets both famous and lesser known and from various time periods. In their introductions, both editors mention their own struggles with depression. November wants teenagers to understand that depression is common and that poems, especially by poets who have been there, can offer comfort. Rosenberg discusses her teenage search for books that "spoke to my own up-and-down experience." Biographical notes of each author conclude the anthology.

Reaction: I enjoyed this book. I think many individuals would be able to connect to some of the poems located within this anthology. I really enjoyed reading the introduction of this book. I liked how the authors told their stories of why they wanted to compose this book. I think many individuals would be intrigued about how the authors were diagnosed with depression. Some of the poems are depressing but I think they really help people to understand what teenagers have to deal with. Many teens deal with depression at some point in their life and it's important to understand how they feel. This book will also help teens to realize other people deal with the same problems that they do.

Recommendation: I would recommend this book to students in grades 9 and up. I think advanced students in grades 7 and 8 would be able to handle this book but some of them might not be able to grasp the imagery and analogies located within some of the poems.

Book talk hook: I would read part of the introduction to the students.

I haven't been out of my teenage years for that long now, but I will always remember them whether I want to or not. Life is insane, the world is insane, and this is nothing new nor profound. Tragically, being a teenager makes everything feel much worse. Adults mock the "no one understands me" aspect that we know and live all too well.

When I was in my early teens, I was convinced I would surely die before I reached twenty, either naturally or self-induced. There were times I felt alienated, misunderstood, and depressed. Once, I threw a wooden chair at my mother out of frustration. All through high school I was crying in detention, contemplating walking into traffic, and rescheduling appointments with my therapist in between classes. I didn't want to be living a life I couldn't exist in anymore.

Feeling unmotivated, trapped, unheard, and suicidal, I began to take pictures, draw, and, most passionately, to write. I found writing to be an outlet for my depression, and it has been my savior ever since. I only hope that everyone who has ever experienced days that seem like hell finds some sort of creative outlet that sparks a passion and motivation to wake up, take a shower, and live out each day.

Non-Fiction Author: Jim Murphy

Murphy's Background:
Jim Murphy has written over thirty books for young adults. His work has a historical focus, and he specializes in both fiction and nonfiction. Murphy started out as an adventurous boy with no interest in reading or writing until his seventh grade teacher mentioned that he was forbidden to read Ernest Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms. Since it was considered a forbidden book he read it and soon grew to love books of all kinds. After studying at Rutgers University and Radcliffe College, Murphy went to work in juvenile publishing, first as an editorial secretary and eventually as a managing editor. He left to publish his first book, Weird and Wacky Inventions, in 1978. Murphy’s writing has won numerous awards: two ALA Newbery Honor Book Awards, The Washington Post Children’s Book Guild Award for Distinguished Nonfiction, and the Boston Globe Horn Book Award.

Random Facts About Murphy:
1. In elementary school, he began writing and illustrating his own comic books, but he didn't enjoy reading or writing until seventh grade. He didn't get good grades until he started reading and writing in seventh grade.
2. Murphy has described himself as a loud child who loved sports.
3. Murphy is married to Alison Blank, a children’s television producer and author of her own children’s books.
4. Murphy enjoys researching his books more than he likes writing them. It often takes him several years before a book is ready to be edited.
5. Murphy has two sons and several pets, including an African water frog

Some Books Written by Murphy:
Truce
An American Plague
The Great Fire
Blizzard
The Real Benedict Arnold

My Reaction:
I think Jim Murphy seems like a down to earth person. For some reason when I think about authors I usually picture them as being reserved people with little personality. Murphy seems to be a very energetic and outgoing individual. I like the fact that he wasn't a good student until one of his teacher's made an impact on him in seventh grade. I hope that one day I can impact a struggeling student to become a successful and notable individual. Murphy writes a lot of historical nonfiction books. I haven't read any of his books but he has won many awards for them so I'm sure they are very well written.

Resources:
Official Website of Jim Murphy
Learning About Jim Murphy

Non-Fiction

Title: Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow
Author: Susan Campbell Bartoletti
Awards: Newbery Honor and Sibert Award

Summary: This book describes the experiences of young children who joined Hitler Youth during the Holocaust. It showcases how such innocent naive children were taken advantage of during this historical time period. The book is broken down into various sections that reveal why each child joined Hitler Youth, how Hitler took advantage of them, and what it was like to be a part of Hitler Youth. Bartoletti provides interviews, photographs, letters, and diaries within this book.

Reaction: I do not like to read non-fiction as much as fiction but I think this book would be a great alternative to a text book about the Holocaust. It's hard to believe that Hitler targeted young innocent chilren to carry out his plans for the future. I found the stories of the children to be quite compelling. I honestly didn't realize that Hitler Youth was an actual organization of teenagers who were dedicated to Adolf Hitler. I thought it was just the title of the book. It's sad to learn how so many children idolized Hitler.

Recommendation: I would recommend this book to students in grades 6 and up. I think they would find it very interesting to find out how children played a role during the Holocaust. Since this book is written from the perspectives of children, I think they would enjoy reading it over a text book chapter about the Holocaust.

Book talk hook: I would show the students pictures of the children who joined the Hitler Youth organization. I would also read the following passages to them.

This book is the story of the millions of boys and girls who belonged to the Hitler Youth and bore the name proudly. At a time when Germany was suffering from a weak, unstable government, high unemployment, and widespread poverty, the Nazi Party promised young Germans a great future in a great Germany---if they joined the Hitler Youth.

"I begin with the young," said Hitler. We older ones are used up....But my magnificent youngsters! Are there finer ones anywhere in the world? Look at all these men and boys! What material! With them I can make a new world." Hitler counted on Germany's boys and girls. This is their story.