Readinglogya

Horgan 1
Rebecca Horgan
Professor Timothy Swann
Young Adult Literature
12 December 2015
Young Adult Literature

Reading Log
*October Submissions
Table of Contents Options
Author
Genre
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Table of Contents: Genre
Realistic Fiction:
★ The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian By Sherman Alexie*----11
★ November Blues By Sharon Draper*---------------------------------------------29
★ The Surrender Tree By Margarita Engle*----------------------------------------32
★ The Fault in Our Stars By John Green-------------------------------------------39
★ Will Grayson Will Grayson By John Green*------------------------------------42
★ Marble Season By Gilbert Hernandez*-------------------------------------------4
★ Touching Spirit Bear By Ben Mikaelson-----------------------------------------49
★ X a novel By Ilyasah Shabat-------------------------------------------------------52
★ The Unlikely Hero of Room 13B By Teresa Totten*--------------------------70
★ Hold Tight, Don’t Let Go By Laura Rose Wagner*----------------------------66
Fantasy and Science Fiction (including dystopia):
★ The Maze Runner By James Dashner*-------------------------------------------20
★ The Scorch Trials By James Dashner---------------------------------------------23
★ The Death Cure By James Dashner-----------------------------------------------25
★ Hit By Delilah Dawson-------------------------------------------------------------27
★ Unwind By Neal Shusterman*----------------------------------------------------58
★ Level Up By Gene Yang-----------------------------------------------------------76
★ Animal Crackers By Gene Yang-------------------------------------------------74

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Mystery:
★ Anya’s Ghost By Vera Brosgol*--------------------------------------------------17
★ The Maze Runner By James Dashner*-------------------------------------------20
★ The Scorch Trials By James Dashner--------------------------------------------23
Horror:
★ Shutter By Courtney Alameda------------------------------------------------------8
★ Unwind By Neal Shusterman*----------------------------------------------------58
Thriller:
★ Shutter By Courtney Alameda-----------------------------------------------------8
★ The Maze Runner By James Dashner*------------------------------------------20
★ The Scorch Trials By James Dashner--------------------------------------------23
★ Hit By Delilah Dawson-------------------------------------------------------------27
Nonfiction:
★ Little Fish By Ramsey Beyer*---------------------------------------------------14
★ The Surrender Tree By Margarita Engle*---------------------------------------32
★ Trinity: A Graphic History of the First Atomic Bomb By Jonathan Fetter
Vorm--------------------------------------------------------------------------------36
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★ Bomb By Steve Sheinkin----------------------------------------------------------55
Poetry and Short Stories:
★ The Surrender Tree By Margarita Engle*---------------------------------------32
★ Animal Crackers By Gene Yang--------------------------------------------------74
Graphic Novels:
★ Little Fish By Ramsey Beyer*-----------------------------------------------------14
★ Marble Season By Gilbert Hernandez*------------------------------------------45
★ American Born Chinese By Gene Yang*----------------------------------------65
★ Boxers By Gene Yang--------------------------------------------------------------81
★ Saints By Gene Yang---------------------------------------------------------------79
★ Trinity: A Graphic History of the First Atomic Bomb By Jonathan Fetter
Vorm---------------------------------------------------------------------------------36
Multicultural Books:
★ The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian By Sherman Alexie*----11
★ November Blues By Sharon Draper*---------------------------------------------29

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★ The Fault in Our Stars By John Green-------------------------------------------39
★ Marble Season By Gilbert Hernandez*------------------------------------------45
★ Touching Spirit Bear By Ben Mikaelson----------------------------------------49
★ X By Ilyasah Shabat----------------------------------------------------------------53
★ The Unlikely Hero of Room 13B By Teresa Totten*-------------------------70
★ Hold Tight, Don’t Let Go By Laura Rose Wagner*----------------------------66
★ American Born Chinese By Gene Yang*----------------------------------------65
★ Boxers By Gene Yang--------------------------------------------------------------82
★ Saints By Gene Yang---------------------------------------------------------------79

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Table of Contents: Author
Alameda, Courtney. Shutter. ---------------------------------------------------------8
Alexie, Sherman. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian.---------- 11
Beyer, Ramsey. Little Fish. -----------------------------------------------------------14
Brosgol, Vera. Anya's Ghost.----------------------------------------------------------17
Dashner, James. The Maze Runner. --------------------------------------------------20
Dashner, James. The Scorch Trials.-------------------------------------------------23
Dashner, James. The Death Cure. ----------------------------------------------------25
Dawson, Delilah. Hit.-------------------------------------------------------------------27
Draper, Sharon. November Blues. ----------------------------------------------------29
Engle, Margarita. The Surrender Tree: Poems of Cuba's Struggle for Freedom.32
Fetter-Vorm, Jonathan. Trinity. ---------------------------------------------------------36
Green, John. The Fault in Our Stars. ---------------------------------------------------39
Green, John, and David Levithan. Will Grayson, Will Grayson. --------------------42
Hernandez, Gilbert. Marble Season. ----------------------------------------------------45
Mikaelsen, Ben. Touching Spirit Bear. -------------------------------------------------47
Shabazz, Ilyasah. X.-------------------------------------------------------------------------52
Sheinkin, Steve. Bomb---------------------------------------------------------------------55
Shusterman, Neal. Unwind.----------------------------------------------------------------57
Totten, Teresa. The Unlikely Hero of Room 13B.--------------------------------------70

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Wagner, Laura Rose. Hold Tight, Don't Let Go. ---------------------------------------66
Yang, Gene. American Born Chinese.---------------------------------------------------44
Yang, Gene. Animal Crackers. -----------------------------------------------------------74
Yang, Gene. Boxers.------------------------------------------------------------------------82
Yang, Gene. Level Up.---------------------------------------------------------------------76
Yang, Gene. Saints. ------------------------------------------------------------------------79

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Shutter By Courtney Alameda
Bibliographic information (MLA format):
Alameda, Courtney. Shutter. New York: Feiwel and Friends, 2015. Print.
Pages: 372
Thumbnail picture of book cover:
Recommended grade/age levels: Ages 13 and up
Awards won (if applicable):
None yet
A description of the book (no more than 7-8
sentences):
Always trying to do the right thing, Micheline keeps
getting herself and others around her into spiritual death
traps. It's not easy being one of the last descendents of Helsing while growing up
as a young teen. She’s been trained her whole life to track down and capture
creatures from your nightmares. With many burdens, Michelin gets confronted
with many horrors, considering her job, taking after her father, is to eradicate
unbelievable monsters. She Is not alone on this journey, she has Oliver who
helped develop the technology to view these somewhat invisible monsters, as well
as Jude who helps by identifying death before it even happened, and rider. In this
thriller you'll see how Micheline is always trying to keep everyone safe, but by
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doing so, she gets involved with some dark spirits that eventually infect her and the
crew of reapers with a soulchain curse. When reading about necros, scorpions
composed of dead corpses, you’ll shudder as you encounter each evil and dark
monster that Micheline must defeat to save others from the terrible curse that could
lead them to their death. When passed on family members get involved with a
deadly scheme, the challenge becomes grave. How will she survive her father who
is now hunting her down because she has ghostlight in her skin? Her mother who
has been manipulated by darker demons?
Genre or other category:
Thriller, Horror, Action, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Legends, Dystopian
Characters, themes, art, outstanding literary qualities:
Uses real locations, advanced technology for viewing spirits, in this world issues in
school are similar to real life, except they include dissecting zombies instead frogs.
Brief recommendation – why you did/did not like the book? (no more than 4-5
sentences):
Although I love a good suspenseful thriller movie, I think in text format it is too
scary. The details and amount of action packed into each and every page, with skin
ripping off of contagious ghosts, and the gory graphic details of all the wars that
herself and her crew continue to fend off on a nightly basis. The relationships
among Micheline’s family and co-workers are unique, but quite authentic in this
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scenario. There aren't many perks to their job, it is just way too dangerous, which
is why there fight for survival is action packed, no time to breath.
If you enjoyed this book read:
Red Queen Victoria Aveyard
An Ember in the Ashes By Sabaa Tahir

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The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
By Sherman Alexie
Bibliographic information (MLA format)
Alexie, Sherman. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. New York:
Little, Brown and Company, 2007. Print.
Thumbnail picture of book cover
Pages: 230
Recommended grade/age levels
Age 12 and up
Awards won (if applicable)
● 2007 National Book Award for Young People's
Literature
● 2008 Boston Globe-Horn Book Award, Fiction
and Poetry
● 2009 Odyssey Award as the year's "best audiobook for children
or young adults", read by Alexie
A description of the book (no more than 7-8 sentences)
Junior isn't a typical Spokane indian, being born with too much cerebral spinal
fluid in his brain he went through many complications as an infant. In addition,
he’s forced to face the more common indian reservation issues such as poverty and
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alcoholism. This leads to Many deaths in his family. this story is a coming of age
story for Junior and his high school life. Growing up Junior didn't have too many
friends due to his appearance and learning disabilities, a result of his complications
as an infant. One friend he could always count on was Rowdy, whose name says it
all. Both born on the same day in the same hospital, Junior describes himself as
being born broken and Rowdy angry. One day Junior gets so upset seeing his
mother's name in his very own textbook, that he throws it at his teacher, Mr. P who
surprisingly in turn tells him that he needs to escape if there is any hope for his
future. This is where the story takes us as Junior transitions from a typical
reservation school full of indians living in poverty and being exposed to
alcoholism to learning in an all white school. It is not an easy journey for Junior as
he loses his best friend, his tribe, and becomes one of the only Indians at his new
school besides the mascot.
Genre or other category
Coming of age, Cultural identity, Memoir, Realistic Fiction
Characters, themes, art, outstanding literary qualities, etc.
This story Follows Junior as he live through a family and a tribe who has lost
hope. His family and friends must endure many deaths because of depression and
alcoholism mixed together. The artwork infused into the story makes it more
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personable to completely understand the point of view of Junior. It is almost like
you are diving into his personal diary and thoughts.
sentences)
This book made me laugh out loud in many parts. It also left me shocked with an
open mouth reading some of the cultural slang used against Junior. I love that
rowdy and Junior's relationship isn't perfect. it is this friendship that truly shows a
realistic relationship among two young teenage boys. This is one perspective that I
have not ever seen before and reading this book really opened my eyes to the
education on reservations in a slightly funny but hard truths format.
Flight By Sherman Alexie
American Born Chinese By Gene Yang
Anya’s Ghost By Vera Brosgol

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Little Fish
By Ramsey Beyer
Beyer, Ramsey. Little Fish. San Francisco: Zest Books, 2013. Print.
Pages:
272
12 and older.
● YALSA Outstanding Book for the College Bound
● IPPY Independent Voice Award Winner 2014
sentences)
This graphic novel is an autobiography of the author/illustrator’s journey from her
rural town in Michigan to college in the bustling Baltimore district. Throughout her
actual life she had been documenting life events in an online blog called
LiveJournal. Not only did she write about her life events, she also enjoyed making
lists of the many pros and cons she faced, of her favorites, and reflections of
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change as she transitioned to college life. This true narrative of Ramsey's ups and
downs while losing touch with her friends "back home" and her transition to
growing up into the art world of Baltimore along with new friends, who now have
more in common with her than her first original besties from Michigan.
Graphic Novel, Memoir, Nonfiction, Realistic Fiction
My favorite part of this novel is that the author used her online journal LiveJournal
as a way to retail her journey and transition from being a small town girl to a city
dweller. many of the pages have a typewriter font with wonderful matching
graphics surrounding. these pages are ones that she took out of her LiveJournal
and included as a timeline of events in this graphic novel. The main reason I chose
this graphic novel was because of its cover art and the location of her art college. It
was interesting to see this coming of age story and a setting that I know and
recognize since I also attended University in the same city. In the introduction
she has also the same age as me what's really intrigue me to keep reading to see
how her journey after high school differed are varied to mine. I hope this author
illustrator creates more graphic novels was the same details and Layout as this
graphic novel. Even at the beginning of the book, Ramsey shows herself as the
current 28 year old illustrator, then going back in time through the use of her live
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online blog. What a great way to accurately convey emotions and feelings of
herself at the age of changing, then add on additional reflections and thoughts. The
artwork within this graphic novels used many elements such as thought bubbles,
setting, sounds inside art, and the many boxes or even the lack thereof for the
storyline. My personal favorite is her original way of incorporating word for word
her LiveJournal lists (comparing Michigan to Baltimore)that are put in as type a
type writer with other art surrounding it.
sentences)
With everything that happens to Ramsey, many topics were easy to relate to with
the pull of going away to college to really finding yourself in the field you are
passionate about, no matter where you are, and for Ramsey, she's found her love in
art. Her life experiences in this beautifully illustrated autobiography with the
historic backdrop of Baltimore is entertaining as you experience the encounters of
Ramsey's first year at college.
Tomboy: A Graphic Memoir By Liz Prince
Little Things: A Memoir in Slices

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Anya’s Ghost
By Vera Brosgol
Brosgol, Vera. Anya's Ghost. New York: First Second, 2011. Print.
Pages:
221
12 and older.
● 2012 Eisner Award for "Best Publication for
Young Adults"
● Harvey Award for "Best Original Graphic
Publication for Younger Readers"
Anya's ghost is a great graphic novel depicting the insecurities that many preteens
in teens encounter as they grow up. We find Anya stuck at the bottom of a well
For three days. Unknowingly she makes a new friend who is a ghost. Going to a
private high school where it is predominantly white and affluent students in New
England, Anya feels very insecure. With her new friend Anya kinase any quizzes
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or tests, figure out what others are saying, and overall feel more confident at
school. but will having a ghost follow you around school always be the best? Anya
discovers herself in this story as she ties her life more to her cultural identity as
being Russian. How will living with a ghost change her opinion of her Russian
identity, family, and Russian friend and fellow outcast, Dima?
Graphic Novel, Ghost Story, Cultural Identity
This graphic novel reminded me of American born Chinese by Gene yang. The
theme of cultural identity and being embarrassed by it is presented with with all
these interactions with her family as well as the Russians they are typical student,
and family friend, Sioban. originally embarrassed to be seen talking with him,
Anya realizes that Dima is a true friend who sticks by her side and can relate to
the struggles of assimilating after being raised from a Russian culture while living
in the United States.
sentences)
This book contributes to the viewpoint of a new global society that many authors
are publishing novels which represent the coming of age themes tied into cultural
identity. This book should be read to help understand teenage insecurities that
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coincide to family culture. although Anya's ghost originally tried to be helpful,
there is something suspicious about her I will say this, that her ghost helps her
realize who is really going to be there to support her when times get tough.
Monster By Walter Dean Meyers

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The Maze Runner
By James Dashner
Dashner, James. The Maze Runner. New York: Delacorte Press, 2009. Print.
Pages: 374
11 and older.
● ALA Best Books for Young Adults
● ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers
You wake up and you don't remember anything except for your first name. You
have no idea where you are, who your friends are, who's your family, where you
live, but you have this instinct. This is what happens to Thomas after he wakes up
surrounded by strangers. Everything changes when a girl is sent through to this
new place you've ended up right after Thomas, since only teenage boys reside in
this place so far. In this world where a new teenager plus supplies are dropped in
containers for survival in this strange world with portals that open to an ever-
changing maze with countless dangers including Grievers, a creature you meet
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before your demise, Thomas quickly, and peculiarly learns the ways of his new
surroundings as well as the efforts the people, all teenagers around his age, trying
to make it through the maze. There's a ranking order among teenagers. Through his
instinct, Thomas quickly moves up the ranks to “runner” status which means that
he can go into the maze looking for clues and trying to find a way out. When the
walls begin to move the runners realize a message is being spelled out. the story
doesn't end in this first book of 4 chronicling Thomas's journey through the maze
and discovering his identity.
Science Fiction, Dystopian
Gender plays a big theme as the entire society of teens are all male, before one girl
is sent through following Thomas and she is in a an entranced state. Another
theme presented is the following rules from leaders. All the teenagers blindly
follow Newt and Alby because they're not sure who else to follow. Throughout
the book it is constantly referred back to as an ultimatum. Keep strict deathly
consequences to to maintain order and safety.
sentences)
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If you enjoy dystopian novels this is the book for you. This series of books reminds
me of the Enders series because of how the end of this novel concludes. there is a
constant search for the end of the maze but no one knows why they need to find
the end of this maze. In the epilogue it seems as though the next book will reveal
why certain leaders and runners were chosen to leave the way out. I especially
liked reading this book because I knew there would be more in the series. This
book has also become a major motion picture which I look forward to watching
once I complete reading the series.
Daniel X: Game Over By James Patterson
The Power of Six By Pittacus Lore

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The Scorch Trials By James Dashner
Dashner, James. The Scorch Trials. New York: Delacorte Press, 2010. Print.
Pages: 360
Recommended grade/age levels:
Ages 12 and up
Major Motion Picture, New York Times Best Seller
sentences):
The Gladers are presented with yet again more action
packed and a dangerous dilemma even after escaping the maze and those Grievers
in the first book. Now they are confronted with people who call themselves
Cranks, who keep screaming to kill them. This distracts from noticing that Teresa
went missing. The Gladers find themselves in a building filled with dead bodies,
and are once again confused on exactly what was going on. They wake up with
tattoos grouping them by A or B and roles within each team when Thomas finds
out his fate is “To be killed by Group B”. They start to realize that this is another
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phase, not a maze this time, but a scorching hot, flat, surface. WICKED is doing it
again, On there way to city full of Cranks, they encounter a Crank that Thomas has
convinced to keep the peace where he will assist them in their journey. As he goes
along with the Gladers to the mountains, they eventually find Teresa again, but she
is on the opposite team and acting differently. She continually reassures Thomas to
trust her, but can he? With all the craziness, will the Gliders survive another day?
Thriller, Science Fiction, Dystopian, Action
Thomas and Teresa’s friendship is tested, the will to survive, hope, and memory
sentences):
This book is a fast-paced page turner as you continue to follow Thomas through
the various phases that WICKED is putting him and the other Gladers through.
With authentic language along with the occasional vocabulary that pertain to this
book, you want to keep turning the pages to see of our protagonists, Thomas and
Teresa, are working on a solution to this race again time.
The Maze Runner By James Dashner
The Death Cure By James Dashner

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The Death Cure By James Dashner
Dashner, James. The Death Cure. New York: Delacorte Press, 2011. Print.
Pages: 324
Ages 12 and up
Will be made into a major motion picture, begins filming Feb.
2016, released Feb. 2017
A description of the book (no more than 7-8 sentences):
The Flare is a deadly disease that the Gladers have been exposed
from the previous story has Thomas concerned as the Rat Man
continues to explain how the maze came to be and why Thomas and his companions have no
memories. Theresa gets excited and even goes on to say that “WICKED is good” because she is
eager to finally get her memories back. As Thomas ventures out to Denver, he realizes and finds
out from Gally those who are immune to the Flare are suddenly disappearing. They are being
collected for more maze trials. Also, there is a new divide in those who want their memories
back and those who don’t, where some, like Thomas are still unsure, which is why he decided to
look for Hans, who could remove the controlling chip from their brain. While in Denver, they
find themselves living in a life of comfort, food and coffee stores, showers, food! Thomas,
Brenda, Minho and others are racing to get their control back and be safe from the Scorch. This
trilogy ending brings many deathly tragedies, from the Flare and violence ensued.
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Thriller, Science Fiction
Trust, Relationships, Survival, death, Corporations, Government
Brief recommendation – why you did/did not like the book? (no more than 4-5 sentences):
To me this wasn’t as action packed as the first two when they encountered various creatures and
lots of mystery. This book kind of closes up the trilogy which does leave a lot of space for
questions to finally be answered. The only problem became when the characters I enjoyed did
not always survive in this last part. I think if you read to first two of this series though you
should really read this as a closure and solution to the trials.
The Maze Runner By James Dashner
The Scorch Trials By James Dashner

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Hit By Delilah Dawson
Dawson, Delilah. Hit. New York: Simon Pulse, 2015. Print.
Pages: 324
Ages 13 and up.
N/Y
sentences):
The United States of America is debt free because of
Valor Bank buying all, ALL of it. Patsy doesn't understand what this means until a
Valor “Hit” man comes knocking on her door, with a gun to her mother’s head.
Several months back her mother had gotten into a car accident. As a result, she
didn’t tell Patsy she lost her job and had cancer, which, in fault, put her mother in
debt. The Valor hitman gives her an alternative, either let him shoot herself and her
mother and their debt will be absolved, or she can kill others with debt for the next
five days. This action packed thriller follows Patsy as she becomes a killer for
valor just to save herself and her mother. She killing or giving the people the same
Horgan 28
ultimatum she had. After her first kill, she encounters his son, who sticks by her
side along with another victim’s dog, Matty. Who she has to kill for debt or safety
in this new dystopia will shock her and be a part of her forever. Who will be next?
Science Fiction, Dystopian, Thriller
Life or Death, Corporations, Big Brother,
sentences):
This book was very violent and fast paced. Although I do enjoy action thrillers,
there was so much violence ranging from rape, to murder, that I thought this book
would be better for more mature audiences. I liked the fact that Patsy is this frail 17
year old girl going on a killing rampage just because some corporation told her to.
But, also, it was kill or be killed. This book will shock you when you find out who
she has to kill. There is a sequel to this book, so if you're OK with the gorey details
of murder, these two books are for you.
Strike By Delilah Dawson (Hit #2)
Willful Machines By Tim Floreen

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November Blues
By Sharon Draper
Draper, Sharon. November Blues. New York: Simon Pulse, 2007. Print.
Pages: 383
12 years and older.
Coretta Scott King Award
sentences)
The story starts out with November having morning sickness, although it is not
exactly obvious, it is her symptoms that reveal her new identity as a single teen
mother. This is a second story of a trilogy where in the previous book, November's
boyfriend Jericho tells his story. This coming of age story of a young teen mother
as she faces the obstacles of being pregnant and all alone in high school. This is a
very common scenario for many young teens, but November’s story is a little
different, her baby's father is dead. Jericho has left behind more than just a broken
heart for November. What will November do? There are too many options. Who
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will support her in this journey? Should she give the baby up for adoption? Raise
her child in her senior year of high school? What well November's future be?
Realistic Fiction, Teen Pregnancy
Sharon Draper has continued captivate readers of all ages through the experience
of strong female characters who endure everyday challenges. In this story it is easy
relate to November, and how she became pregnant. These are the realities that
teens face and to top it all off, the previous novel about Jericho azan to the
struggles kids in middle and high school will either endure themselves or see a
friend endure. Alcohol intake as a teen, young pregnancy, and family reactions are
all present in this novel. What I found extremely real was how long November
waited to tell anybody as well as her mother's reaction. It was honest and authentic.
sentences)
I think this book should be used in a health unit for sexual education. This book
puts readers in the place of November as she struggles through a new life growing
inside her. This life growing inside her is going to flip her world upside down
which all happened in one instant. The author put a face behind the common team
unwed mother walking through the halls of many middle and high schools. This
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book would also be good for parents not only were expecting to be grandparents
sooner than I thought but for many parents as this is a hot topic in families. it
would be a good way to see a nice perspective and and what thoughts race through
a Teenagers mind. Sharon Draper has captured the emotions and this series.
Jericho By Sharon Draper
Just Another Hero By Sharon Draper

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The Surrender Tree
By Margarita Engle
Engle, Margarita. The Surrender Tree: Poems of Cuba's Struggle for
Freedom. New York: Henry Holt and Co, 2008. Print.
Pages: 167
12 and older.
● 2009 Pura Belpre Award
● Lee Bemnet Award
● Newbery Award
● ALA Notable Award
This book focused on a historical look at the many wars in Cuba between the years
of 1850-1899 fighting for independence. The book connected a similar theme to
another historical fiction text using poetic verse and the story of a grandmother's
survival story to Jennifer Roy's Yellow Star. The theme of hope and hopeless is
Horgan 33
presented in that the story mostly surrounds along Cuba's independence wars
against slavery and Spain ownership.
This narrative not only shows the thoughts and the point of view of a what a young
reader might see as the perspective of a kind and giving citizen but also the
different sides of war, including those in charge of causing violence in many
communities within Cuba. The main protagonist Rosa a "magic healer" using the
herbs found in Cuba's tropical land while hiding from all sides and from the
starving and sickness in the re-concentration camps. Rosa, beyond the encounters
of a war ridden land, overcomes the struggles of sadness and violence through
peaceful healing. Too many sides of the war cause Rosa to heal in the hidden
natural features of Cuba including the dense forest and inside caves. After reading
the many narrative perspectives from a carefully thought out and compiled
timeline, even the perspective of a slave hunter who collects ears proving capture
or death for silver coins is given in a chilling manner and who is chasing Rosa and
her family throughout the three wars. It also shows how one growing up in Cuba
during this time relies on family and leaders such as Rosa who another character,
Silvia,on the verge of death, being influential on how they need to think of hope,
and Rosa provided that hope as the folklore of a woman healer hiding in caves and
by a kapok tree, also known as the surrender tree.

Horgan 34
Overall, this book definitely deserves the Pura Belpre award due to its authentic
and historical setting, actual characters recorded in history being present (including
Clara Barton). This book win its poetic verse and point of view will teach Latinos
and various cultures alike the struggles of Cuba's independence in a suspenseful
way.
Historical Fiction, Poetic Verse, Latin American History
Where and how citizens respond towar especially young Rosa who turns into the
resident healer. The story follows the timeline of Cuba's war and what sides of the
war their work. People switching sides, and deciding to end the violence. The title
of this poetic novel of Cuba's struggle for freedom, is perfect because a
community To come together and heal. this shows human rights being understood
at a time when slavery was prevalent. Another scene that Rosa provides for her
people is hope. The stories of her powers and her continual support for the
wounded.
sentences)
I would recommend this book for its history of latin americans. Originally the book
intrigued me for several reasons. First of all, it reminded me of the poems by

Horgan 35
famous poet from Nicaragua, Ruben Dario and his poetic story of a little girl
named Margarita. Mostly intriguing though was that this country's events that had
taken place in the text and the style the author of the book decided to write this in a
poetic verse, as well as the actual events that took place with the narrative are
based on her own grandparents and others that survived to tell of their struggle to
survive during the famine and war in the country of Cuba fighting for
independence due to slavery and Weynor's re-concentration camps.
Yellow Star By Jennifer Roy
Number the Stars By Lois Lowry

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Trinity: A Graphic History of the First Atomic Bomb By Jonathan Fetter
Vorm
Fetter-Vorm, Jonathan. Trinity. New York: Hill and Wang, 2013. Print.
Pages: 154
Ages 10 and up
sentences): This is the story of how the atomic bomb
was created among the brightest scientists, including the
scientist who helped make discoveries early on, like
Curie, to the work being done in a race against time to help against the enemy
allies across the ocean, such as Oppenheimer To demonstrate the strength of how
splitting one almost invisible atom is, there are vivid graphics representing the
power and how it multiplies. To test out their creation, the United States military
named a sight in New Mexico, Trinity, thus giving the title to this timeline of the
atomic bomb in our world history. In the beginning, we follow scientist Marie
Curie, who helped learn more about radioactivity. Then, we come back to the
Horgan 37
Manhattan Project, where scientists are in the search for discovering how to set off
multiple reactions. Finally, once the bomb has been tested, it is loaded to be
dropped in Japan to attempt to stop the allied enemies. The devastation of the
people and the realities of Disease X are also present visually showing the burning
off of skin and how the land was left as a dessert in the aftermath. After the
Manhattan Project, many scientist would ask “Can it be done?” following a
“Should it be done?” Is it really worth the devastation left behind?
Nonfiction, Graphic Novel, History, Science
sentences): If you’re interested in how Atom Bomb came to be, both historically
and scientifically, this is the book you need to read. Starting at the beginning of the
graphic novel, there is a miniature science lesson explaining the science of the
atomic bomb. Since this is quite complicated, Each part is laid out with numbers,
chemical names, and illustrations of what the naked eye can't even see. Within this
graphic novel, it is clearly diagramed. There are clear labels, atoms, captions, as
well as dialogue between scientist and army personnel that enhance the
understanding this process. I would recommend this book as part of a sciecne or

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history book for students to gain perspective on the behind the scenes work of a
destructive ending to the world war.
Bomb By Steve Sheinkin
Battle Lines: A Graphic History of the Civil War By Jonathan Fetter Vorm
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The Fault in Our Stars By John Green
Green, John. The Fault in Our Stars. New York, Penguin, 2012. Print.
Pages: 318
Ages 10 and up
Goodreads Choice Awards Best Young Adult Fiction
sentences):
A beautifully written love story and coming of age
living with cancer. We meet Hazel Grace, smart, wise, teenager who attends a
cancer group for teens, only because her mother wants her to socialize. Living with
terminal cancer means Hazel doesn't go out, she stays in and reads and rests. In the
support group, a new member attends, coming for Issac, another cancer kid who
will be having his eyes removed so that the cancer doesn't spread. This new
member, Augustus, locks his eyes onto Hazel and doesn't let go. We follow along
with Augustus and Hazel as their witty and morbid humor take them deeply into
romance beyond their years. After reading a book dozens of times, she
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recommends that Augustus reads “An Imperial Affliction” too. They bond over its
abrupt ending and eventually venture out to Amsterdam on August’s Make a Wish
fund to meet the author and demand some answers. Although they don't get what
they want from the drunken author, Peter Van Houten, they seal their love on this
journey. This is also when Augustus reveals that his cancer is back, and it is
everywhere. Oddly, Hazel was always the one to think she would go first, but here
is August being swept away from her.
Realistic Fiction
Cancer, Love, Wishes, Deep-Connections, Hope
sentences):
This is a page turner, the words flow so easily, and you keep wanting to read about
the young love. As soon as started reading I knew, with cancer being the focus,
that there would be no assurance of Hazel surviving. This part of the story made
me think of the deep love that Romeo and Juliet had, but couldn't have, because of
death. Definitely lots of laughter along with teary eyes and full on crying while
reading this book as you are able to view the world from the perspective of being
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young and with cancer. This book has also been turned into a major motion picture
winning Teen Choice Awards.
Paper Towns By John Green
Will Grayson, Will Grayson By John Green and David Levithan
Before I Die By Jenny Downham

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Will Grayson Will Grayson
By John Green
Green, John, and David Levithan. Will Grayson, Will Grayson. New York, N.Y.:
Dutton, 2010. Print.
Pages:
310
12 and older.
Stonewall Children’s and Young Adult Literature
Award
sentences):
The story follows two Will Graysons. Although each Will Grayson has their own
point of view, in this story they come together to face many teenage challenges.
Both feel lost in this coming of age story around how to tread lightly with
friendships and family. High school is hard enough when trying to keep up with
classes, extracurriculars, and getting ready for college. Pile on top of that, how to
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remain friends through such a tough time. It seems as though the love of music has
joined together so many groups of friendships in the story. In fact, that is the only
way that the first Will Grayson was able to meet the second Will Grayson. The
emotional support system at this age is vital to the comfort one feels in their own
body as well as their opinions. Tiny plays a huge part and both will Grayson’s live
by looking at the world is more of a half full kind of place. Together these friends
triumph through the many difficulties of growing up in modern times. How will
these friendships blossom?
Realistic Fiction, Coming of age
One major theme is the story of friendship. Friendship is a valuable resource when
you need someone to lean on during all the stress of school, home life, and ever
changing friendships. These friendships are changing constantly because of life
experience. Also, the viewpoint of each of the characters sharing and revealing
secrets about themselves further establishing the identity as they become adults.
Will Grayson, the second one, was duped by one of his close friends and was only
able to confide in the other Will Grayson.
sentences):
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I'm really like reading this book because it felt like I was going back in time to
when I was in high school. Even though it was always considered the hardest times
of my life, it was also the most carefree. I had many friendships just as the first
Will Grayson and the 2nd Will Grayson had. It is not easy to maintain friendships
when you yourself are changing how you act, your beliefs, and figuring out who
you are. I would recommend this book to all incoming high school students and
their parents. It’ll help students and adults and young adults relate to Will Grayson
and Will Grayson and their friends.
The Fault in Our Stars By John Green and David Levithian
An Abundance of Katherines By John Green
Yang, Gene. American Born Chinese. New York: First Second, 2006. Print.
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Marble Season
By Gilbert Hernandez
Hernandez, Gilbert. Marble Season. Montreal: Drawn & Quarterly, 2013. Print.
Pages:
120
10 years and up.
• 2013 PEN Center USA’s Graphic Literature
Award for Outstanding Body of Work
sentences)
Huey is the middle child in a family of boys and here you can follow him through
his trials and tribulations. In the neighborhood, there are many other children of
many ages and gender. this book follows how the neighborhood children and Huey
grow up. Since the story takes place in the 1960s, the neighborhood aspect takes a
major role of many of the scenes within this novel. Not only are we experiencing
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home life and social encounters of Huey his big brother and his little brother, also
delving into the life of their neighbors which are kind of like a family. Many hours
are spent with their neighbors playing make believe games, fighting games, and of
course reading comic books. Another great aspect that will appeal to reluctant
readers, that there are no I repeat no adult figures in the story. They are referenced
to, such as when his mother mistakes some of his collection of cards as the trash!
But adults are not prevalent in this novel showing more of the aspect and
perspective of the children of many ages all partaking in the community of
growing up. I think that not only children will enjoy reading the story but adults as
well as many of the games are the same from what we used to play as children. we
might even remember what it was like to be Young again.
Realistic Fiction, autobiographical, Cultural identify, memoir
Huey is the main character in the story facing many of the theme of friendship,
coming of age, romance, and even fighting. The artwork definitely displays the
traditional comic book style in black and white. Facial expressions clearly
displayed emotions felt by each of the characters. I think this book would be easy
relatable by many young boys or tomboys growing up with the traditional marvel
comic books with superheroes. many young boys look up to the superheroes who
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look to violence as a solution. In this story, he was able to look past the fighting, to
help solve everyday problems.
sentences)
I haven't really seen too many hardcover graphic novels not ones bigger than the
size of a loose sheet of paper able to hold an average of over 6 panels for each
page. The format of this graphic novel really made it an easy for a reader to
quickly understand what is happening in the story. the large pages make it so that
someone who's reading the different illustrations and speech bubbles, panels to
completely grass what's going on in the story and the thoughts and emotions of
various characters. I also like that because it's easy to see 1 pages emotions even
when there's no text. Just by looking at the overall characters facial motion you can
tell what kind of chapter you're going to endure. The fact that the story takes place
in a Latin American community with very authentic and common disagreement
with the only solution being a physical fight. Is a great and goofy book describing
many of the events of the author actually went through growing up in the 1960s
growing up in a California suburb.
Juilio’s Day By Gilbert Hernandez
Bumperhead BY Gilbert Hernandez

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Animal Crackers By Gene Yang

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Touching Spirit Bear By Ben Michaelsen 10 years Awards won (if applicable):
● ALA Best Book for Young Adults
● Nautilus Book Award
sentences):
The story centers on Cole Mathews, a 15-year-old from
Minnesota who is a hardened, juvenile delinquent at the
opening of the story. After “half a lifetime” of getting
into serious trouble, including breaking and entering and assault and battery, with
one of his crimes being beating someone up to within an inch of his life, Cole is
given a choice: do serious time behind bars as an adult, or submit to Native
American Circle Justice. Cole chooses the latter, and gets sentenced to a solitary
year on a remote island in Southeast Alaska. During this sojourn, Cole journeys
from deep anger to inner peace - based upon forgiveness of self and others. Along
the way, he encounters a Spirit Bear who at first attacks him savagely, and then
becomes a more-peaceful presence. Cole learns to survive through self-reliance,
rather than derisive exploitation of others, and to align himself with the flows of
wind and water.
Cultural identify, redemption, realistic fiction

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This book is in the genre of young adult fiction, “redemption” subcategory. The
arc of redemption is clear and compelling in this book, and rings true, even though
the narrative also partakes of magical realism. There are many instances that the
magical elements actually portray other aspects of Cole’s personal healing and how
nature can influence this. Also, highlighting how the current solutions in place for
kid’s who have reached the extreme breaking point, are not provided by the social
system.
sentences):
This book has a great feel as many youth would be able to relate or gain
perspective on the hardships of having abusive parents, and how it can affect
choices made and how it can impact a criminal future. I really enjoyed this read
because I was able to see how environmental factors can lead to young criminal
activity because of inadequate support for families, such as Cole’s. This
perspective from Cole’s troubled childhood to his increased outbursts, and it was
interesting and informative to see first hand that the traditional justice system does
not always serve troubled youth with the guidance that they really need. It makes it
clear the emotions a child endures when being incarcerated, the hatred towards
their family, and how alternative methods might work better in solving the social
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issues amongst many like Cole. I also enjoyed the pieces of nature tied into magic
that were integrated as a part of Cole’s redemption with life.
The Ordeal of Running Standing: A Novel By Thomas Fall
Youth Violence: A Report of the Surgeon General
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK44293/
Office of the Surgeon General (US); National Center for Injury Prevention and
Control (US); National Institute of Mental Health (US); Center for Mental Health
Services (US).
Rockville (MD): Office of the Surgeon General (US); 2001.
This report discusses the role of risk factors in predicting whether a youth will
become violent. One of the reported findings is that: “a 10-year-old exposed to 6
or more risk factors is 10 times as likely to be violent by age 18 as a 10-year-old
exposed to only one factor.” Risk factors discussed in this report include: Gender
(males are significantly more likely to be violent than are females, all other factors
held constant); aggression; hyperactivity; and exposure to television violence.

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X By Ilyasah Shabat and Kekla Magoon
Shabazz, Ilyasah. X. Somerville: Candlewick Press, 2015. Print.
Pages: 348
Ages 12 and older
Not yet...N/y
In this story Malcolm Little has many family issues with his father
being killed, him not having enough to eat at home, and controversy
with his african american heritage and how it affects what he thinks
of himself. Early on Malcolm Little realized that his parents would stand up for their rights; their
rights to live where they please, their rights for an education, rights to their freedom. But…the
realities of his life showed him the intolerance of other and in this story it skips back and forth
between the past and his life in the present. The author is able to connect how Malcolm has come
to move to Boston by delving into the past. When he was younger in school he had a vivid
memories. After arriving in Boston, Malcolm soon befriends a familiar face from Lansing,
Shorty, who ends up showing him the ropes around town and even hooking him up with a gig
shining shoes at a jazz studio. Here he is dubbed “Red” because of the tint he had in his hair.
Soon Red figures out how to earn money selling drugs to jazz musicians and enjoying his
earnings by spending time with beautiful and out-of-reach ladies while dancing the night away to
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jazz’s greatest performances. Red had wanted to become a lawyer while back in Lansing, but he
can still hear the laughter of his teachers saying “This is the real world, boy,” Mr. Ostrowski
said. “Be as good as you want in the classroom, but out those doors, you’re just a nigger.” Just a
nigger. Those words haunt me. I can’t get out from under them. I’ve been a Negro my whole
life.” This guides Red in a downward spiral of a path, where Red feels lost and confused.
Eventually he finds himself in New York, getting involved with heavier drugs, guns, and
gambling. After escaping back to Boston, he finds himself casing houses with his white lady
friend, but soon, this ends him into state prison for a sentence for 8-10 years. It is in jail where
Red changes his name to Malcolm “X” and becomes the Muslim leader we more commonly
learn about him.
Culture, Historical Fiction, Realistic Fiction
Several Earls and two Malcolms, I thought this was odd at first, but after reading Will Grayson,
Will Grayson I have been more keen on name similarities, which in this novel, it is mentioned.
When Malcolm gets on a bus to Boston from Lansing, he is shocked to meet and speak with
another Earl, just as dead father was named. It made him cringe when in class someone else with
his father’s name would be called on.
Brief recommendation – why you did/did not like the book? (no more than 4-5 sentences):
If you want to know who was Malcolm X before becoming one the most prominent leaders in
the Nation of Islam then you can read this book to look into the past, to Malcolm Little’s
childhood and growing up in his teen years. In school his dream of becoming a lawyer was
laughed at because he was something that he could change and that others in the 1940s did not
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accept. All kinds of memories, “There are so many rules for how to be a black person, things you
cannot say and places you cannot go.” He reflects upon obstacles in his way to becoming a
leader, like his parents. Why would he focus on his studies when the white man will never view
him as equal? These were the thoughts of Malcolm Little as we dive into his life before
becoming the leader we now know of in “X a novel” a young adult historical fiction text written
by his daughter Ilyasah Shabazz.
Bone Gap By Laura Ruby
Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War By Steve Sheinkin
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Bomb By Steve Sheinkin
Sheinkin, Steve. Bomb. New York: Flashpoint, 2012. Print.
Pages: 265
Ages 12 and up.
National Book Award Finalist
2013 Robert F. Sibert Medal for excellence in
informational books
YALSA Award for Excellence in Young Adult
NonFiction for 2013
Sheinkin makes this nonfiction historical information flow seamlessly through the
stages the United States took duting the war. We learn about the race to make the
Atomic Bomb, the spies involved, the politicians, and the scientists. In the
beginning, Einstein communicates with President Roosevelt letting him feel the
urgency behind being the first to build what recent discoveries have been secretly
shared around the world, on both sides of the violent war. Throughout the book
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you are presented with information depicting the various famous scientists
involved with the passing around of information and the discovery or creations,
especially during the time of war. Harry Gold, we learn that he later becomes the
one to work on the Manhattan project, but later steals it instead, even though he is
an ally, the power would be useful in the defense against Nazi Germany. The
strange but highly intelligent Oppenheimer and Leslie Groves were assigned to
oversee the Manhattan Project, as they were trustworthy adversaries, unlike how
the Norway was continually developing spies to get their hands the technology
being developed because the didn't have the time or resources. As time went along,
Roosevelt died and Truman took over the responsibilities of the covert operations
that surrounded the atomic bomb. The story of atomic bomb is seamlessly
portrayed in this story of the historical figures associated with the real events in
history.
Nonfiction, science, history
History, espionage, discovery, ethics, war, different parts sectioned into the race,
finding the chain reaction, how to build the atomic bomb, and final assembly of the
atomic bomb.
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sentences):
This book takes into account actual dialogue making the history behind Trinity and
the race to be the first country with an atomic bomb is intriguing. You able to read
and dive into what it was like back in the 1940s during the world war. In order for
this war to stop, miliaries all around are always developing the best way for the to
get out of a dangerous situation, as they themselves put their own lives at risk.
Before reading, i would recommend some research be done on the political leaders,
scientists, and the spies involved int eh stages we took to end a world war.
Trinity: A Graphic History of the First Atomic Bomb By Jonathan Fetter Vorm
Battle Lines: A Graphic History of the Civil War By Jonathan Fetter Vorm
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Unwind
By Neal Shusterman
Shusterman, Neal. Unwind. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young
Readers, 2007. Print.
Pages: 335
13 and older.
ALA Best Books For Young Adults
ALA Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults (Top Ten)
ALA Top Ten Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult
Readers
What if your parents could decide your fate Between the ages of 13 and 18? In
this futuristic dystopian novel, your parents have the ability to sign away your life.
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This is now a legal norm only because they are not ACTUALLY killing you, they
are simply allowing your body parts to be given to other kids who are “worthy”.
This story takes place after the Civil War already been bought because of the
disagreement on life. Reaching a compromise, unwinding seem like the only
alternative to peace.in this adventure, 3 teens are faced with a test of a lifetime.
Each teenager that we follow has had the orders to be unwound. the first boy
presented as Connor and his parents cannot control him so they decide to online
10. The second unwound character is Risa, who was successful as a ward of the
state, but not successfully enough to fund any longer. the third on well and
character that joined up with Connor and Risa is Lev. Lev Has known since birth
that in order for his family to comply to their religious standards he must be tithed.
It is because of this new law move on wine and unwanted children that storking is
permitted. This is when babies are left on the doorstep of a reasonable home where
the baby can thrive, and the homeowners are obliged to adopt the baby. since Lev
has adopted siblings and birth siblings, he is a tenth of his parents children. An
unsuspecting events, Connor decides to take his life into his own hands, and tries
to escape. stuck in traffic, Lisa sees this as an opportunity to be in control of her
own life as well. as Connors escaping into the woods, many cars swerve into
deadly accidents. Connor sees Lev and immediately recognizes him as a religious
type and so whisks him away on this journey. while the unwinding police catch up
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with these three? Will Lev understand what it really means to be Unwound after
what response he received from his pastor? How will these 3 characters live on,
and parts, or whole?
Science Fiction, Dystopian
A theme presented in the text “Unwind” that I found was determining one’s self-
worth and human rights. Many youth can struggle with their own value because
they are still insecure in their current abilities. Imagine having those same exact
issues, other life challenges, AND on top of the day to day, someone, your mom,
your dad, the State, your church, has now determined to vote you out of the human
race. The fictional elements that Lev, Connor, and Risa journey through while in
the world after the Heartland War depict similar realities to today’s conflicts with
regards to human rights. The unwind children are treated and left to fend for
themselves in many harsh conditions. First when Risa and Connor decided to take
fate into their own hands, the juvie cops force them into a wild forest with no food,
shelter, or water. The three then face homelessness, which many students across
the nation, must endure each and every year, sometimes on their own. Having
nowhere to go, they resort to a school, anywhere to stay hidden and inconspicuous.
Then, cultures clash when Lev, tithed and fully embracing his fate, is uncertain
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about his new unwind buddies. After ratting out Risa and Connor, Lev is presented
with new challenges of survival when he has nowhere left to go, no one left to
defend him, and nothing to eat, further identifying struggles of current, real,
homeless children and adults. Next, the Admiral, even as close to he can be to
represent the non-existent UN of this “unwholly” world, I couldn’t stop thinking
about the problem of human trafficking. It took a lot of convincing, and rereading
to believe this guy was safe. The amount of times I have seen reports of hundreds
of children disappearing into thin air are disheartening. When unwinds were
brought as cargo I thought for sure that this was going to be hell and they would be
sold into a market of human slavery or inevitably bit by bit. Since human
trafficking is still relevant today, and all over the news, I can’t help to think of how
easy it would be for criminals with no regard for human life, as much of the
population “decided” to make a law in this novel, to gather up children facing
poverty, such as the unwind children, who had no one on their side.
THANKFULLY, the powerful and comical words of the admiral have continued
on through the legacy of Connor. Overall, I found that Risa, Lev, and Connor were
able to their own self-worth and understand that human lives matter, no matter
what. This brings back to human rights and like others have stated, political
opinions with never ending arguments about who chooses life.

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sentences)
This book is perfect for reluctant readers. many teens will find it easy to relate to
the fact that they are not in charge of their own life. At least in this story, the
extreme is literally being taken apart. A valuable lesson can be learned when the
knowledge of this much power of life is held in the hand of parents.
UnWholly By Neal Shusterman
UnStrung By Neal Shusterman
UnSouled By Neal Shusterman
UnDivided By Neal Shusterma

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10 years and older.
2006 ALA Printz Award
This modern coming of age story follows three unique
characters. The three characters are the Monkey King,
Jin, and Danny as well as his relationship with his stereotypical cousin Chin Kee
who represents Jin's cultural identity. The story is very uniquely presented as it is
a graphic novel and how at first the reader might not understand the three stories
that are being told following the lives of the three characters. In the end, the stories
intertwined as each protagonist discover something new about themselves and their
culture. The author makes it clear that Jin is uncomfortable and embarrassed with
his cultural identity just as many who come to America do. Jin would more than
likely want to assimilate to American culture the way Danny has rather than hold
onto his Chinese roots. This coming of age story shows the importance of retaining
both cultural identities when growing up American born in a family with diverse
backgrounds.

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Coming of age, Graphic Novel, Modern Fable
The artwork in this graphic novel displays and represent the three stories that gene
yang once the reader to understand. It's very interesting to see the religious aspect
to the Chinese table he creates to follow Jin’s story. The theme surrounding
cultural identity has common elements when entering American culture. the way
names are pronounced in different languages by teachers, family members
embarrassing you at school, and even trying to break away from your true cultural
identity just to assimilate into quote on quote American culture.
sentences)
As an avid graphic novel reader, I truly enjoyed reading every single word and
illustration on each and every page of this book. Even though at first I was
confused by the three stories being told, it was hilarious to see Danny's point of
view as a TV show, crowd applauding and all. I was also able to see how the
author was able to transform a typical fable into a modern one using the Monkey
King, appealing to young readers even though it might have been a bit of bathroom
humor. This will appeal to reluctant readers because of it's comical elements but
also the authentic understanding of the unique American Chinese perspective. You
should definitely read this book if you want to see how people might feel when
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having a “different” background than their peers. This book also helps promote
global learning and cultural acceptance.
Anya’s Ghost By Vera Brosgol

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Hold Tight, Don’t Let Go By Laura Rose Wagner
Wagner, Laura Rose. Hold Tight, Don't Let Go. New York: Amulet Books, 2015.
Print.
Pages: 264
9th grade and up
This book still has no awards yet, but I foresee many awards in the future
considering it was just published this year in January.
Raised as sisters, teenage Magdalie and Nadine’s world is abruptly turned upside
down after the horrendous Haitian earthquake and their lives as they knew it will
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never be the same. Imagine it is January 12th, 2010 and you have just heard the
deafening roar of the Earth takeover your City. The story begins as these two
teenage girls have survived a 7.0 earthquake in a town where structural support did
not exist. Everything around them has crumbled away to dust and rubble and
hundreds of thousands are lying dead, stuck under the rubble or laying out in the
street after a loved one has found you, such as Magdalie and Nadine’s Manman
(mother). What was supposed to happen after a 7.0 earthquake to Magdalie and
Nadine as they have no one in one of the poorest third world countries? Now that
there are no withstanding structures left, Magdalie and Nadine, with the help of
their caring uncle tonton must create a home using whatever materials they can
find spurring tent cities all over Port-Au-Prince. Since Magdalie and Nadine are
not blood sisters, Nadine’s father who lives in Miami has sent tickets for her to
move in with him. But who's going to take care of Magdalie now? Where will she
live? These are the questions that someone HAD answered for Nadine because her
father, but not so much for her sister (really her cousin) Magdalie. Will she ever
make it to visit her sister Nadine in the states? Where does she belong and where is
it safe?
Cultural, Realistic fiction,
Characters, themes, art, outstanding literary qualities, etc.:

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One thing that stuck out in this novel was definitely the fact that the main character
Magdalie had to endure so much tragedy after an earthquake hit her home country.
Magdalie was the one who deals with being alone and being deserted in Haiti after
most her family in Port-Au-Prince either died in the earthquake or had family in
other places, such as her sister (blood cousin) Nadine did when her father got her a
VISA for Miami. I also found the religious aspect intriguing as it was stated that
many Haitians believed that this was a spiritual event, with the sinners paying the
ultimate price. Others practice Vudu to try and find answers to this epidemic as
well.
sentences):
I really enjoyed reading this this book. I was able to expand my vocabulary of
creole reading this book and it helped me feel more connected to a large handful of
my 2nd graders, some who as toddlers also survived this history making
earthquake. Another motivation to continue reading dealt with determining what
happened to Magdalie to see if she was able to survive this horrific incident that
played out in her country of Haiti. with what little hope she had left. If you would
like to learn more about Haiti and its people, this book does an amazing job
showing how there are many french influences intertwined to their culture. From
the religion, the power the rich has over people living in poverty, and the day to
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day teenage issues surviving mother nature’s war, you will acquire a very unique
perspective reading this novel of Haiti,
Memorable Quotes Surrounding Theme:
Living in poverty after a natural disaster
-“Have you heard, Magda? Ti Zwit died last night” “Oh! Poor old man! Like that?
Dying without being sick?” “ They say it was cholera” “this Cholera! Where did
this term come from? How can it live in this heat of this camp when everyone else
is being grilled alive under the Sun?”
-”You don't have to worry anymore. I'm going to fix all your problems.” “ Come
on, Magdalie, my Magda” “ Come on. I thought we had an agreement.” “ No!” I
cry, and I pull away, pushing Jimmy as hard as I can, with all my rage, with the
rage of 100 girls. My nails scratch trails into his forearms. “ Don't touch me
anymore!”
My Basmati Bat Mitzvah By Paula Freedman
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian By Sherman Alexie

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The Unlikely Hero of Room 13B
By Teresa Totten
Totte, Teresa. The Unlikely Hero of Room 13B. Toronto: Random House. 2013.
Print.
Pages:
287
12 and older.
● 2013 Governor General Library Award for Children’s
Text
● Children’s Book Council Bookie Award
Adam Spencer ross also known as Batman is a 15 year old boy with a long list of
problems. Not only girls, friends, and his separated family, are the problem but on
top of that, he has been identified as having many symptoms of obsessive-
compulsive disorder. Symptoms include counting every step you take to certain
places, walking through a threshold many times until it feels just right, and others
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that are life altering at this time of being a 15 year old boy.This story surrounds a
group of kids who all have symptoms of OCD. much like you would find and an a
Alcoholics Anonymous, this group of teens have joined with a psychologist and
OCD Anonymous group. To make things exciting and fun, they each have their
own superhero identity, Mostly the generic superheroes with a Snooki. The
relationships these kids build with one another is subtle at first. They rely on one
another to be open and honest about their condition and ways if they can help
monitor And confront OCD behaviors. Adams OCD is getting worse and his love
interest, Robin’s is getting better. He wants to be HER hero, but how can he has
his conditions and rituals worsen? will there be a future for Adam make a
Batman? What is causing his OCD to get worse?
Realistic fiction, coming of age, disabilities, OCD, Romance, Divorce, Mystery
One character that I fell in love with was Adams half brother Sweetie. He also
had OCD symptoms but Adam seemed to be secure and he was able to easily
identify with his younger brother and his obsession with prime numbers. The
theme surrounded friendship but it also surrounded relationships among family.
Adam felt like a stranger in his own home because of his mother's obsessive
disorder, and then at his father's house, it didn't feel like home, it almost felt like he
Horgan 72
was in his step mother's home because she was running the household. Who is also
interesting to see how Adam was able to develop his friendships or relationships in
his OCD group by showing care and concern for the others. Being a leader in
group helped Adam to find the true cause behind his worsening OCD symptoms. Is
it the fact that is family is separated from each other? Is it that because he is
romantically interested in Robin? Is it because his mom works too much as a
surgeon? What is causing Adam’s unlivable OCD behaviour?
sentences)
This was a very emotional book for me to read because I was able to connect with
Adam OCD group considering the fact that I myself have very subtle symptoms. in
this novel you off of find out that out of his mother is a collector. she also has
obsessive compulsive disorders which also seem to run in my family. There are
many students in schools with the same issues. Imagine having to succeed in all
subject areas while having a disability that can be so subtle and can go unnoticed 4
years, How would you feel as their teacher or their mother or father a family
member or even being the student yourself? this unique perspective behind the face
of a disability is important for educators to understand but even as a increased
awareness of global perspective this book can shine light on these hard to talk
about perspectives.
Horgan 73
In the Age of Love and Chocolate By Gabrielle Zevin
The Winner’s Crime By Marie Rutoski

Horgan 74
Yang, Gene. Animal Crackers. San Jose: Smart Label
Graphics, 2010. Print.
Pages: 216
Age 10 and up
Xeric Award
This graphic novel brings about a genre similar to Yang’s other Graphic Novels
where we follow an asian american Bully named Gordon, and young lady named
Loyola as they endure the usual hardships of growing up as an asian american
immigrant and dealing with a race of aliens trying to save the human race.
Although could see this falling under the Science Fiction genre as well. The book
begins with Gordon, a bully, having nightmares about a pregnant nose, Little does
he know, this will come true when a small alien creature has landing inside his
nose to change his own life and to assist another kid, the one Gordon was bullying,
Horgan 75
through a resentment he has for his father. Being bullied all the time by Gordon,
the boy begins building bombs in his bedroom The resentment turns Gordon’s
animal crackers into giant monsters attempting to kill the boy’s father. Loyola is
another storyline we follow as she meets an alien and has to determine whether or
not he is someone she should trust.
Science Fiction, Fantasy, Culture, Graphic Novel
Coming of age, romance, school violence, bullies, friendships, humor
sentences):
What an incredible way to tell a coming of age story with alien ships that land
inside noses, animal crackers turn into giant monsters, and aliens that become
romantic interests. This is one original and unique book that I found myself
laughing out loud at many of the ridiculous scenarios that can be so idiotic,
especially the parts with aliens who are residing in Gordon’s nose. The book does
have a serious undertone as well, as the bullying between a neighborhood kid who
is building a bomb partially because of his bully, Gordon, but also because of his
broken home life. This book can be used for real discussion even though it has
some uneasy topics, such as how to prevent bullying because of some of the
Horgan 76
possible irreversible results, such as bombing a school. The scenario that plays out
gives kids ideas of how to include all to ensure nobody is isolated.
If you enjoy reading and following the characters in “Animal Crackers” then you
can find them in their own Graphic Novels too:
Gordon Yamamoto By Gene Yang
Loyola Ching By Gene Yang
Level Up By Gene Yang
Yang, Gene. Level Up. New York: First Second, 2011. Print.
Pages: 160
sentences):
In “Level Up” we find the main character Dennis living
a typical Asian American experience, with strict parents
who will not let him get close to video games. When his
father dies abruptly, things change for Dennis. It is after his father’s death that
Horgan 77
Dennis feels he can let himself get absorbed into the world of video gaming again.
After becoming obsessed with gaming and almost flunking out of college, four
angels come to “rescue” him. They happen to be the same angels found on a card
his father had given to him before dying. These four little “angels” appear and
change him to become more studious, kind of forcibly, by cooking, cleaning,
making study schedules, and more. Having these angels following him around are
required for Dennis so that he can fulfill the promise he made to his dead father.
This is another great example of how seamlessly Yang integrates his cultural
experiences into his humorous and daring stories. This book is a great and funny
read as the “angels” become the pushy promise part of his view on his culture
trying to get him to become a gastroenterologists, even though that was not
Dennis’ passion, at the time. Eventually these angels transform into another
familiar part of Dennis’ world, helping him find his own path, not an inherited
promise.
Culture, Graphic Novel, Fantasy
Coming of age, cultural identity, friendships, relationships, college, video gaming
sentences):
Horgan 78
I was instantly mesmerized by this book because of the cover art on the book.
Displayed was Gameboy, one of my all time favorite toys growing up (Tetris,
Kirby, Home Alone, and even Pac Man). As a child I had no restrictions on this
activity and was glued to the screen for hours a day. It is interesting to see the
perspective of a different culture, where Dennis could not ever be near screen. Is
this better? Does this help him Focus? At first, but with his father’s death it is hard
for him to stay away. It is the cultural expectations to put an emphasis on
education, which is important for all, but can be done in a way where the
individual is in control. I think in this book, you realize that your parents to make
your decisions, but you do. well so nice to see a book that shows how important
family is, specially in the Asian culture. I think it is difficult to lose a parent when
you're growing up, and it's hard to figure out the right path, specially without the
help of some insistent angels telling you what to do along the way, for their
finding out more about yourself and your family.
Sumo By Thien Pham
Touching Spirit Bear By Ben Mikaelson

Horgan 79
Mikaelson, Ben. Touching Spirit Bear. New York: Harper Trophy, 2001. Print.
Pages: 241
Saints By Gene Yang
Yang, Gene. Saints. New York: First Second, 2013. Print.
Pages: 170
Ages 12 and up
Awards won (if applicableSs):
● Finalist for National Book Awards
● School Library Journal Best Books of the Year
2013
● 2013 Los Angeles Times Book Prize Winner
In ancient China we meet Four Girl, with no official name because she was left
unwanted. In the graphic novel “Saints” we see multiple perspectives from the
western Christian fight and the traditions of the ancient Gods who helped to
Horgan 80
motivate Chinese people of the countryside to defend their rights. The Boxers have
help from the ancient Chinese Gods as they tear through the country looking for
Christian “devils” to murder and seek revenge for all the wrong doings. Four Girl
meets Joan of Arc and is inspired to get a new name and set forth a positive
purpose in life. After getting her new name, Vibiana must decide is she is actually
ready to die for her new faith. This new faith that has brought her a name and hope
to fight for a cause that she now calls her own. She wants to defend her religious
freedom by becoming a fighter for christianity and its values. After getting visited
by Joan of Arc, she is able to take on Christianity as part of her identity, but how
much is she willing to sacrifice?
History, Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Culture, Religion, Spirituality
Religious freedom, women’s rights, vivid and violent graphics, multiple
perspectives, both stories intertwined lack of assurance in the violence
sentences):
This is a great Graphic Novel for studying the history and its connection to
women’s rights in the history of China. Also, there are many ways to integrate a
timeline of actual events and how they tie into both sides of the Boxer revolution.
Horgan 81
Yang provides nonfiction companion guide to fully see the connection between
both sides because they were both fighting for the same cause. With this novel, the
two protagonists meet in a common ground due to the popular operas held often in
China, entertaining all. This book really delves into human connections and faith.
Boxers By Gene Yang
Young Joan By Barbara Dana
Boxers By Gene Yang
Yang, Gene. Boxers. New York: First Second, 2013. Print.
Pages: 327
Ages 12 and up
● School Library Journal: Best Books of the Year
2013
● Booklist: Top Ten Religion and Spirituality Books
2013
Horgan 82
Imagine China in 1898 with Christian missionaries taking over the the countryside,
converting as many of the poor country people of China to Christianity. As a
result, many residents of China are in uproar, some are calling the ones who
convert to Christianity the “devils”, and others are getting the help from ancient
Chinese Gods. We follow Bao as he becomes the leader of the Boxer rebellion
against the devil “Christians” as he leads a crew of “Boxers” to kill them all. Four
Girl from “Saints” also appears in this storyline because she is one of the converted
Christians who has finally found a place for herself. The dilemma occurs when
they finally reach a church full of these Christian Devils and Bao must hear the
stories of treacherous acts they have instilled upon the people of China. Here he
makes his choice to continue the brutal killings of women and children, going
against the ways of the ancient Chinese Gods who helped the Boxer Rebellion. In
the historic and fantasy graphic novels “Boxers” and “Saints” many religious wars
were fought between the Christian missionaries and the Boxers, Chinese residents
attempting to retain the current traditions and customs in place, such as having
multiple Gods. In the graphic novel “Boxers” and “Saints” we see multiple
perspectives from the western Christian fight and the traditions of the ancient Gods
who helped to motivate Chinese people of the countryside to defend their rights.
The Boxers have help from the ancient Chinese Gods as they tear through the
Horgan 83
country looking for Christian “devils” to murder. Read to see which side “wins” if
any at all.
Fantasy, Historical, Legend, Graphic Novel, Religion
Gods, identity, culture, religion, war, gender roles
sentences):
I would recommend this book to be studied in a history class because it is a visual
way to understand the historical perspective that each side of this religious war had
to endure. The way each of the perspectives take on their own god to overcome
obstacles during war is a great symbol to show both sides of the religious fight. It
is interesting how Yang depicts the how Bao thinks because of rumors, that the
westerners are polluting the minds of China and mistreating too many of it’s
citizens. By presenting the conflict of war with magical realism, one can better see
how war can bring on so much famine unnecessarily.
Saints By Gene Yang
The Last Airbender Series By Gene Yang
The Shadow Hero Series By Gene Yang

Horgan 84
Horgan 85
Bibliography
Alameda, Courtney. Shutter. New York: Feiwel and Friends, 2015. Print.
Alexie, Sherman. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. New York:
Little, Brown and Company, 2007. Print.
Beyer, Ramsey. Little Fish. San Francisco: Zest Books, 2013. Print.
Brosgol, Vera. Anya's Ghost. New York: First Second, 2011. Print.
Dashner, James. The Maze Runner. New York: Delacorte Press, 2009. Print.
Dashner, James. The Scorch Trials. New York: Delacorte Press, 2010. Print.
Dashner, James. The Death Cure. New York: Delacorte Press, 2011. Print.
Dawson, Delilah. Hit. New York: Simon Pulse, 2015. Print.
Draper, Sharon. November Blues. New York: Simon Pulse, 2007. Print.
Engle, Margarita. The Surrender Tree: Poems of Cuba's Struggle for Freedom.
New York: Henry Holt and Co, 2008. Print.
Fetter-Vorm, Jonathan. Trinity. New York: Hill and Wang, 2013. Print.
Green, John. The Fault in Our Stars. New York, Penguin, 2012. Print.
Green, John, and David Levithan. Will Grayson, Will Grayson. New York, N.Y.:
Dutton, 2010. Print.

Horgan 86
Hernandez, Gilbert. Marble Season. Montreal: Drawn & Quarterly, 2013. Print.
Mikaelsen, Ben. Touching Spirit Bear. New York: Harper Trophy, 2001. Print.
Shabazz, Ilyasah. X. Somerville: Candlewick Press, 2015. Print.
Sheinkin, Steve. Bomb. New York: Flashpoint, 2012. Print.
Shusterman, Neal. Unwind. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young
Readers, 2007. Print.
Totten, Teresa. The Unlikely Hero of Room 13B. Toronto: Random House, 2013.
Print.
Wagner, Laura Rose. Hold Tight, Don't Let Go. New York: Amulet Books, 2015.
Print.
Yang, Gene. American Born Chinese. New York: First Second, 2006. Print.
Yang, Gene. Animal Crackers. San Jose: Smart Label Graphics, 2010. Print.
Yang, Gene. Boxers. New York: First Second, 2013. Print.
Yang, Gene. Level Up. New York: First Second, 2011. Print.
Yang, Gene. Saints. New York: First Second, 2013. Print.

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Horgan 1

Professor Timothy Swann

Young Adult Literature

Young Adult Literature

Table of Contents Options

Table of Contents: Genre

★ The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian By Sherman Alexie*----11

★ November Blues By Sharon Draper*---------------------------------------------29

★ The Surrender Tree By Margarita Engle*----------------------------------------32

★ The Fault in Our Stars By John Green-------------------------------------------39

★ Will Grayson Will Grayson By John Green*------------------------------------42

★ Marble Season By Gilbert Hernandez*-------------------------------------------4

★ Touching Spirit Bear By Ben Mikaelson-----------------------------------------49

★ X a novel By Ilyasah Shabat-------------------------------------------------------52

★ The Unlikely Hero of Room 13B By Teresa Totten*--------------------------70

★ Hold Tight, Don’t Let Go By Laura Rose Wagner*----------------------------66

Fantasy and Science Fiction (including dystopia):

★ The Maze Runner By James Dashner*-------------------------------------------20

★ The Scorch Trials By James Dashner---------------------------------------------23

★ The Death Cure By James Dashner-----------------------------------------------25

★ Hit By Delilah Dawson-------------------------------------------------------------27

★ Unwind By Neal Shusterman*----------------------------------------------------58

★ Level Up By Gene Yang-----------------------------------------------------------76

★ Animal Crackers By Gene Yang-------------------------------------------------74

★ Anya’s Ghost By Vera Brosgol*--------------------------------------------------17

★ The Maze Runner By James Dashner*-------------------------------------------20

★ The Scorch Trials By James Dashner--------------------------------------------23

★ The Death Cure By James Dashner-----------------------------------------------25

★ Will Grayson Will Grayson By John Green*------------------------------------42

★ Shutter By Courtney Alameda------------------------------------------------------8

★ Unwind By Neal Shusterman*----------------------------------------------------58

★ Shutter By Courtney Alameda-----------------------------------------------------8

★ The Maze Runner By James Dashner*------------------------------------------20

★ The Scorch Trials By James Dashner--------------------------------------------23

★ The Death Cure By James Dashner-----------------------------------------------25

★ Hit By Delilah Dawson-------------------------------------------------------------27

★ Little Fish By Ramsey Beyer*---------------------------------------------------14

★ The Surrender Tree By Margarita Engle*---------------------------------------32

★ Trinity: A Graphic History of the First Atomic Bomb By Jonathan Fetter

★ Bomb By Steve Sheinkin----------------------------------------------------------55

Poetry and Short Stories:

★ The Surrender Tree By Margarita Engle*---------------------------------------32

★ Animal Crackers By Gene Yang--------------------------------------------------74

★ Little Fish By Ramsey Beyer*-----------------------------------------------------14

★ Anya’s Ghost By Vera Brosgol*--------------------------------------------------17

★ Marble Season By Gilbert Hernandez*------------------------------------------45

★ American Born Chinese By Gene Yang*----------------------------------------65

★ Boxers By Gene Yang--------------------------------------------------------------81

★ Saints By Gene Yang---------------------------------------------------------------79

★ Level Up By Gene Yang-----------------------------------------------------------76

★ Animal Crackers By Gene Yang--------------------------------------------------74

★ Trinity: A Graphic History of the First Atomic Bomb By Jonathan Fetter

★ The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian By Sherman Alexie*----11

★ Anya’s Ghost By Vera Brosgol*--------------------------------------------------17

★ November Blues By Sharon Draper*---------------------------------------------29

★ Will Grayson Will Grayson By John Green*------------------------------------42

★ The Fault in Our Stars By John Green-------------------------------------------39