Mallory Donato

Book Evaluations
SLM 504: YA Literature

Title: Grade Level: 5-8 Similar Books: Awards:

The Port Chicago Lexile: 950 1. You Can Fly: The Margaret A. Edwards
Tuskegee Airmen by Carole Award, 2020
Genres & Topics: Boston Weatherford A National Book Award
YA Narrative, Nonfiction, 2. Come All You Brave Finalist, 2015
20th Century United States Soldiers: Blacks in the A YALSA Award for
History, African American Revolutionary War Excellence in Nonfiction
Civil Rights, Military and by Clinton Cox Finalist, 2015
War, Transportation, 3. Courage Has No Color: A School Library
World War 1939-1945, The True Story of the Triple Journal Best Book of the
Social Issues Nickles: America’s First Year, 2015
Black Paratroopers by Tanya
Less Stone
Summary
A huge explosion devastated the segregated Naval base at Port Chicago, California, killing more than 300 sailors
who were working at the docks. Personal accounts of the event capture the intense moments of this historical
WWII era. It was unclear what specifically caused the explosion, but one can suppose it was the inadequate
training and poor conditions the men faced as African Americans. The men who survived refused to return to these
conditions on site and made several attempts to shine a light on unfair treatment and racial discrimination. This
story includes a trial that sought to bring an end to military race segregation and consequently contributed to the
start of the Civil Rights Movement.
Reading Promotion:
Hold a Civil Rights forum in the classroom, with each student being assigned the role of one of the characters in
the story. The students, through group and independent research, should be prepared to answer questions about
their role in the events of the Port Chicago explosion and trial, as well as their views.

AASL II.A.2. Adopting a discerning stance toward points of view and opinions expressed in information resources
and learning products.
AASL II.C.1. Engaging in informed conversation and active debate.
Evaluation
Personal Reaction:
I loved the primary sources, photography, and personal narratives from this little-known story in history. This book
really reminded me of the lasting effects of history, that themes like prejudice and equality transcend time and
serve as a connection or transition into the next era. I do think it would take a certain type of teacher or individual
to sell the story line for students to want to read on their own.
Appeal to Teens: Stage 3: Losing oneself in a story - I believe my student body would connect with the stories of
exclusion, rejection but also adversity. When told to return to work, many refused until there was improved
training and procedures. This is a great lesson for young readers who are entering the workforce soon but also as a
minority.
Stage 4: Finding oneself in a story -  I think this story can feel real to my student population because these young
men and women still see our society facing the similar hardships and social “norms” that are forms of
discrimination.
Stage 5: Venturing Beyond Oneself - examining the racial inequality at the time in the military and how it affects
the lives of the soldiers. The author revealed historic events, but to better our understanding of the present.
Literary Element:
The writing style is narrative based, descriptive and gives many points of views through primary sources, including
pictures.
Title: Grade Level: 8-12 Similar Books: Awards:
The Poet X Lexile: 800 1. With a Star in My Hand: Michael L. Printz Award, 2019
Ruben Dario, poetry hero Pura Belpre Author
Genres & Topics: by Margarita Engle Award, 2019
Realistic Fiction, Novels Voice of Youth
in Verse, Multicultural, 2. Skate Fate by Juan Advocates (VOYA), 02/01/18
Adolescence & Coming of Felipe Herrera Amelia Elizabeth Walden
Age, Dating and Award Winner, 2019
Relationships, School & Indies Choice Book Award
Education, Self-Esteem, Winner, 2019
Hispanic & Latino, National Book Award for young
Emigration & People’s Literature Winner,
Immigration, Girls & 2018
Women
Summary
A portrait of a Dominican-American teen living in Harlem who is trying to find her voice in the land of slam poetry.
In each of her poems, the realities of family life, gender, school, youth, race, religion and sexuality are discovered.
Xiomara (X) has plenty to say and is not quite like her twin brother who she is quick to shield. She is asked to join a
poety club by her English teacher but struggles to attend because she is afriad that her strict mother will oppose
and further push her religious principles futher unto her. This coming-in-to-age and self discovery will refine who
she is and proclaim self confidence as Poet X.
Reading Promotion
CHOOSE ONE OF XIOMARA’S POEMS IN THE BOOK. What is the structure of the poem? What poetic devices is she
using? (repetition, rhyme, onomatopoeia, metaphor, praise, haiku, etc.)? Using the same poetic device and/or
structure found in the poem you chose write your own poem.

AASL I.A.2. Recalling prior and background knowledge as context for new meaning.

Evaluation
Personal Reaction: The entire book I had flash backs to my adolescence years and the conflict between right and
wrong in the eyes of myself, my family, and my church. This was a fast paced read because of the verse format and
was able to feel more of the emotions of the narrator. I know that young adults have a certain vocabulary and
colorful language is quite the norm so I will anticipate students being newly expose to these topics and have to
explain some of the concepts or students will further identify with them.

Appeal to Teens: Stage 4 - Young adult readers of Poet X will feel a “growing sense of independence from adults”
as the character starts becoming interested in boys and rebels in her mother’s religious teachings and personal
relationship rules. X is curious about the world outside of her mother’s strict rules and I believe that is the internal
struggle for teens who are reading the book to connect to (body image, family, hormones). Additionally, the
language is pretty spot on with slang/lack of formality.

Literary Element:
The tone/mood was dramatic. The writing style was dialect-filled and lyrical. There were many metaphors and was
written as a narrative/point of view.
Title: Grade Level: 5-8 Similar Books: Awards:
Rebound Lexile: 780 1. The Mighty Miss Malone by YALSA Quick Picks for
Christopher Paul Curtis Reluctant Readers, 2018
Genres & Topics: VOYA, April 2018
Sports Fiction, 2. True Legend by Mike Lupica
Basketball, African
American, Historical 3. Roll of Thunder, Hear My
Fiction, Novels in Cry by Mildred D. Taylor
Verse

Summary
Twelve-year-old Charlie lost his father unexpectedly and is struggling to cope, including his mother. After weeks of
grieving and rebelling against his mom, Charlie is sent to stay with his grandparents for the summer. He discovers
jazz music and learns more about his family's past, especially his father’s. Charlie begins to heal through his
Grandma’s food, his Grandfather’s wisdom, and the rebirth of basketball with his cousin Roxie. He is able to make
connections to build a team of great support and use the concepts of basketball to get him to a place of healing.
Reading Promotion
Kwame Alexander frequently uses similes and metaphors in his poetry to great effect. After repeated reading,
challenge students to see how many they can find and discuss what they add to the meaning or tone of the
poems.

AASL I.A.2. Recalling prior and background knowledge as context for new meaning.
Evaluation
Personal Reaction:
Many of my students have lost a parent and I thought it was important to pay attention to Charlie’s emotions and
self-conflicts to better understand my own students. I enjoyed the wisdom that Charlie’s grandfather shared and
his positivity I inspiring. Knowing how basketball is important to my family and the lives of many students, I think
this book is perfect in reaching out to those coping with loss as well as choosing the right people to allow in your
life. I want to read the next book about Charlie’s adult life and navigating life with two boys of his own. 

Appeal to Teens:
Stage 3 and 4 - A story filled with preteen issues, peer pressure, realistic family dynamics, romance, grief and a
search for confidence. Additionally, the language is pretty spot on with slang/lack of formality.

Literary Element: The tone is emotionally intense and the story is moving. There are many similes and metaphors.
The poetic structures Alexander uses including white space, length of stanzas, line breaks, use of italics, bold
words, and capitalization.
Title: Grade Level: 7-12 Similar Books: Awards:
Children of Blood and Bone Lexile: 670 1. The Catalyst by Teen’s Top Ten, 2019
Helena Coggan Children’s Africana Book Award
Genres & Topics: 2. City of Stone Winner, 2019
Science and Silence by William C. Morris Debut Finalist,
Fiction/Fantasy, Django Wexler 2020
Adventure, Africa, 3. Wolf By Wolf by Andre Norton Award for Young
Prejudice and Ryan Graudin Adult Science Fiction and Fantasy,
Racism, Legends, 4. Abhorsen by 2018
Myths, Fables, Garth Nix
Government
Resistance
Summary
Zèlie belongs to the Maji clan and is a diviner - a white-haired, once magical power holder. King Saran
removed all magic power in the Kingdom of Orisha and since then have treated the Maji as second class. Zèlie
has fiercely been training to earn great respect both physically and mentally with other deviners in her village.
Setting out to bring aid to her tribe, she encounters Princess Amari, the daughter of King Saran, and discovers
that magic is not dead, only hidden after Amari had stolen a magical scroll that can restore the magical
powers of any divîner who touches it. Amari’s older brother Prince Tzain and Zèlie travel throughout the
kingdom meeting more oppressed Maji, fight to restore magic to the land, and create a new generation of
Maji. In their journey, they are pursued by the Crown Prince Inan, who believes the return of magic will mean
the end of the monarchy.
Reading Promotion
Children of Blood and Bone is rich with references to West African culture. Students will work in pairs,
choosing an aspect of the culture that interests them. Possibilities are traditional clothing, food, dance, music,
language, art, architecture, or death customs. Students should research their topic using print and digital
resources, and then create a multimedia presentation to share with the class.
AASL I.B.3. Generating products that illustrate learning.
AASL IV.B.2. Collecting information representing diverse perspective.
AASL VI.A.3. Evaluating information for accuracy, validity, social and cultural context, and appropriateness for
need.
Evaluation
Personal Reaction: This book was a struggle for me to follow. I had to constantly look up how to
pronounce (West African) words and really map out the different characters, tribes, or locations. The
book was entire too large for the time I had to read and I probably would have enjoyed it had I had more
time. I thought the romance in the story didn’t really need to be there too. The book spanned over about
3 to 4 weeks and it was confusing how groups of people who were enemies became super close very
quickly. I did connect with the story line and the emphasis on fighting for justice, family heritage, culture,
and female empowerment. I do want to read the next book in the series. It was a good balance between
knowing what was happening next and what could be predicted.
Appeal to Teens: Stage 3 - The story revolves around magic and mythology. The author takes characters
and compares them to animals in the Kingdom and really puts on an emphasis on the relationship
between the animal and human. Stage 4 - Zèlie questions and doubts herself along her journey but she’s
able to make alternative choices which shows her maturity and empathy towards other people.
Stage 5 - Amari is in a position of high resect and privilege and could use her power to great strength but
she sympathizes with the “weak” Maji and later tries to fight for what she believes in, which is for the
Maji. The hate and conflict has been part of society for many generations and this book tries to change
those generational issues.
Literary Element: Characters were compared to mythical animals and was visually written. The
tone/mood was serious from three major characters.
Title: Grade Level: 7-12 Similar Books: Awards:
Girl in the Blue Coat Lexile: 720 1. Someone Named Eva by VOYA’s Perfect Ten,
Joan M. Wolf 2018
Genres & Topics: 2. When the War is Over Edgars Award Winner,
Historical Fiction, by Martha Atteman 2017
Holocaust, World War 3. Winter in Wartime by Junior Library Guild
II, Military and Wars, Jan Terlouw Selection, 2016
Thrillers and Suspense 4. Blink by Sasha Dawn Notable Social Studies
5. City of Angeles by Kristi Trade Books for Young
Belamino People, 2017
6. Winter’s Bullet by
William Osborne
Summary
Eighteen-year-old Hanneke delivers illegal black market supplies to her neighbors during the Nazi Occupation
in Amsterdam. Mrs. Janssen, a customer and family friend ask Hanneke to help search for a young Jewish girl
name Mirjam who has been staying at their house in a secret room and has disappeared. The unusual and
dangerous request ignites curiosity for the search. Hanneke is known for being good at "finding things" and
lets her desire to help rise against the Nazis begin. Although Hanneke is not Jewish, the war has tiredly
impacted her life. Her boyfriend died fighting against Nazis and she puts a lot of blame on herself. She learns
about the undertakings of Nazi Germany and tales of concentration camps that leave her faced with the
decision to join a resistance group during her search for Mirjam.

Reading Promotion
Ask students to create a pamphlet like one a tourist might pick up for an overview of one of the locations
listed below:
• Amsterdam • Rembrandt Square • Jewish Cultural Quarter of Amsterdam • Amsterdam’s National
Holocaust Memorial • University of Amsterdam • The Hague • Kijkduin
Encourage students to use reliable, accurate sources and to cite them, as necessary.

AASL I.B.3. Generating products that illustrate learning.

AASL IV.A.2. Identifying possible sources of information.
AASL IV.A.3. Making critical choices about information sources to use.
AASL IV.B.1. Seeking a variety of sources.
AASL VI.B.3. Evaluating information for accuracy, validity, social and cultural context, and appropriateness
for need.

Evaluation
Personal Reaction:
This story is rich in historical content and I enjoyed the perspective of the story from a girl who was not
Jewish during a Nazi occupation but tried to resist, something you don't get too often. I learned about many
historical places in Holland and how a younger generation made an impact on the war. The story felt very
real as it was written in present-tense narration.
Appeal to Teens: Stage 3 - A young adult reader would enjoy the suspense, heroism, and adventure
of the plot. Stage 4 - A younger reader could identify with the grief the main character experiences. Stage 5 -
A young reader would question the actions of the German government and inequality at the time, as they
were learning about society through this piece of literature.
Literary Element: It’s written in first person, it is fast paced while still stopping to describe and explain things
that the reader might not be familiar with, which is important when writing about a different era.
 Works Cited
Acevedo, Elizabeth. The Poet X. Harper Collins Publishers, 2018.

Adeyemi, Tomi. Children of Blood and Bone. Henry Holt and Company, 2018.

Alexander, Kwame. Rebound. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company, 2018.

American Association of School Librarians. 2018. AASL Standards Framework for Learners. Chicago:
ALA.

Hesse, Monica. Girl in the Blue Coat. Little Brown and Company, 2016.

Sheinkin, Steve. The Port Chicago 50: Disaster, Mutiny, and the Fight for Civil Rights. Roaring Brook
Press, 2014.

.
 Challenged Title: Looking for Alaska by John Green
Green, John. Looking for Alaska. Dutton Books, 2015.
Summary:
Miles leaves Florida for prep school in Alabama. He has no real friends
and his hobby includes memorizing famous people's last words. When
he arrives on campus, he meets a group of pranksters, rule-brakers,
and "the hottest girl in the world," Alaska. She is complex, mysterious,
sexual, and spontaneous. Miles falls in love with Alaska after a
semester of wreaking havoc on campus. After their biggest prank of the
year, the group celebrated and the night ended in a tragic loss.

Reading Promotion Strategy:

Grade Level: Young Adult
Lexile: 930
Genre: Realistic Fiction, Greif &
Loss, Dating, School, Substance
Abuse
Reviews & Awards:
Barnes and Noble Discover Great New
Writers Award, 2005
Booklist Editors' Choice, 2005
Kentucky Bluegrass Award, 2006
Michael L. Printz Award, 2006
YALSA Best Books for Young Adults
Award, 2006
YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant
Young Adult Readers, 2006
Booklist Review, March 2005
Kirkus Reviews starred, March 2005
Publishers Weekly Review, Feb 2005
Bulletin of the Center for Children’s
Books starred, Feb 2005
School Library Journal starred, Feb
2005
Similar Titles:
1. The Fault in Our Stars by John
Green
2. An Abundance of Katherines
by John Green
3. Gym Candy by Carl Deuker
Connection: First Person,
Alcohol & Substance Abuse,
Realist Fiction
Miles leaves for Culver Creek determined to seek out his own “Great
Perhaps,” while Alaska is consumed by the answer to the question,
“How will I get out of this labyrinth?”
Research the meaning and etymology of the terms “perhaps” and
“labyrinth.” Apply the meanings of these words to the personal
experiences that both Miles and Alaska are having, both regarding their
lives at Culver Creek and for what they hope for beyond their high
school experiences.
AASL II.A.2. Adopting a discerning stance toward points of view and
opinions expressed in information resources and learning products.
AASL II.B.2. Evaluating a variety of perspectives during learning
activities.
AASL II.C.3. Contributing to discussions in which multiple viewpoints on
a topic are expressed
Evaluation:
Personal Thoughts: I am always entertained by the author so I loved
the way the story was written, especially how it was structured
(counting down the days until Alaska’s death). I anticipated and
appreciated the humor and historical references from the main
character, Miles. Unfortunately, the story was really predictable. After
the death of Alaska, I was not as interested in the rest of the story. I
didn’t become too attached to the characters because there wasn’t
much development. The reason for challenged was for a sexually
explicit scene that may lead a student to “sexual experimentation”.
Appeal to Teens: This story includes many topics of interests:
Romance, peer pressure, grief/loss, school drama, friendship and
humor. The curiosity of death and potential devastating choices one
can make in life. (Stages 3 and 4)
Literary Element: First person point of view, Coming of Age,
Overcoming adversity
How I accessed: I selected the title from ALA’s Frequently Challenged
List of 2016. I accessed the reviews through Titlewave.

Mystery Title: One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus

 McManus, Karen. One of Us Is Lying. Delacorte Press, 2017.
Grade Level: Young Adult
Lexile: 730
Genre: Mystery Fiction, Murder,
School, Friendship
Reviews & Awards:
Junior Library Guild Selection, 2017 implementation, and reflection.
A Bustle Best Young Adult Book of
May 2017
A YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant
Young Adult Readers
Booklist Review, May 2017
Bulletin of the Center of Children’s Evaluation:
Books, May 2017
Kirkus Reviews, March 2017
VOYA Review, April 2017
Similar Titles:
1. One of Us is Next by Karen M.
McManus
2. The Perfect Shot by Elaine Marie The four main characters take turns telling the story from their point
Alphin
3. The Girl in the Park by Mariah
Fredericks
4. Trouble Is a Friend of Mine by
Stephanie Tromly
Connection: Mystery, Suspense,
School Setting
Summary:
A couple of students from Bayview High School find themselves in
after school detention for a cell phone violation. They turn to Simon,
the alleged creator of the gossip app, About That, to entertain their
dreaded afternoon but something terrible happens; Simon suddenly
dies from his peanut allergy. At first, investigators believed that
Simon’s death was an accident. Right after his death, the About That
app posted for all followers to read deep secrets of those who were
from the afternoon detention, leading investigators to question their
alibis. After learning that Simon killed himself in order to become
well known, each of the students found themselves connected in
ways they didn’t know.
Reading Promotion Strategy:
In the novel, Simon Kelleher builds a gossip app, About That. Based
on descriptions in the book, and referencing how-to websites, have
students detail how they would design the app.
AASL I.B.3. Generating products that illustrate learning.
AASL V.B.1. Problem solving through cycles of design,
AASL V.B.2. Persisting through self-directed pursuits by tinkering and
making.
AASL IV.D.2. Integrating and depicting in a conceptual knowledge
network their understanding gained from resources.
Personal Thoughts: I am not usually a reader of mystery but decided
to give this book consideration since it was highly circulated with
students and recommended by other librarians in my cohort. I
instantly felt a connection to each of the four main characters
because their stories were well developed and unique to the
mystery right up to the end.
Appeal to Teens:
of view, each having a typical high school stereotype that seems to
define them. The format allows teens to instantly connection to the
many diverse pressures high school students today face while also
reminding readers that no one can be smacked with a label (jock,
criminal, beauty, and brains). There is also romance included, peer
pressure, and the effects of cyberbullying. (Stages 3,4,5)
Literary Element: The tone was very serious from each of the
characters because of the traumatic event that would consume their
lives.
How I accessed: I selected the title from the YALSA Quick Pick for
Reluctant Young Adult Readers and because it was highly circulated.
I accessed the reviews through Titlewave.
 Contemporary Realistic Fiction Title: Blended by Sharon M. Draper
Draper, Sharon. Blended. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2018.
Summary:
Each week Isabella experiences a different economic, racial, cultural
and emotional world as she switches from her divorced parents’ house.
She recognizes that as a “mixed" child of a blonde mother and an
African American dad has its own set of ongoing cultural and racial
identity struggles. She often questions what it means to be biracial.
Half white, half black, and in similar fashion having to split in half her
time between her parents. Will she ever feel whole? Her split parents
are always going at each other until she has a traumatic run in with the
police, shots are fired, and things change.

Grade Level: 5-8
Lexile: 720
Genre: Contemporary Realistic
Fiction, Prejudice & Racism,
African American, Divorce
Families
Reviews & Awards:
Notable Social Studies Trade
Book for Young People 2019
Booklist Review, November
2018
Bulletin of the Center for
Children’s Books 2018
Publishers Weekly starred,
October 2018
School Library starred,
November 2018
Similar Titles:
1. All American Boys by Jason
Reynolds
2. The Hate U Give by Angie
Johnsons
3. It’s Not the End of the World
by Judy Bloom
Connection: Divorce, Prejudice,
Injustice
Reading Promotion Strategy: Darren and Isabella are pulled over and a
police officer shoots her gun is unfortunately similar to incidents across the
US in recent years. Students can work in pairs to identify and research
cases of police shootings of unarmed black children/ teenagers. Include a
presentation for the class about the facts of their case, the effects on
family and community, and the consequences, if any, for the police
involved. Finish with a class discussion about groups speaking out against
these injustices, and any steps that are being done on local or state levels
to address and try to prevent future incidents.
AASL III.A.1. Demonstrating their desire to broaden and deepen
understandings.
AASL III.A 2. Developing new understandings through engagement in a
learning group.
AASL III.A 3. Deciding to solve problems informed by group interaction.
AASL II.D.2. Demonstrating interest in other perspectives during learning
activities.
AASL II.D.3. Reflecting on their own place within the global learning
community.
Evaluation:
Personal Thoughts: I connected to the character, Izzy in so many ways. I
have never read a story about divorced parents so well written to capture
the emotions and realism. I think it took a YA book to appreciate this type
of literature.
Appeal to Teens:
Readers will identify with Isabella's fight to stand up for herself, especially
to her parents, whose constant arguing and clear disgust for each other
often have her falling through the cracks. It also makes this an honest and
relatable story for a wide range of children, especially in my school.
Readers will enjoy the short chapters and Isabella’s questioning,
conversational tone. It also identifies how to communicate one’s needs
and feelings to family, especially in a difficult situation of co-
parenting. Lastly, it addresses stereotypes and identifies police brutality.
(Stages 3,4,5)
Literary Element: First person point of view, tone was ambivalent and
dignified for an 11-year-old.
How I accessed: I selected this title from the Notable Social Studies –
Children's Book Council List 2019. It is highly circulated in my library too.
I accessed the reviews through Titlewave.

Humor Title: My Kind of Crazy by Robin Reul

 Reul, Paul. My Kind of Crazy. Sourcebooks Fire, 2016.
Grade Level: 7-12
Lexile: 790
Genre: Humor, friendship,
dating, realistic fiction
Reviews & Awards:
Booklist, April 2016
Kirkus Reviews, February 2016
VOYA, April 2016
Similar Titles:
1. Pumpkinheads by Rainbow
Rowell
2. Son of the Mod by Gordon
Korman
3. Boy Meets Boy by David
Levithan
Connection: Humorous fiction,
friendship, teenage years
Recommended Title: The Chocolate war
Cromier, Robert. The Chocolate War. Pantheon Books, 1974.
Summary:
Hank attempts to spell out “Prom” with sparklers in Amanda’s yard for
an epic Promposal. The endeavor went terribly wrong, almost setting
her house on fire. No one knew it was Hank who staged the event, until
he realized that an admirer, Peyton, was following him and knew his
secret. To avoid blackmail and an arson arrest, Hank gets to know
Peyton and her strange lifestyle, including her whacky Barbie doll
“voodoo” collection. While Amanda creates a website to find out who
attempted to be romantic and ask her to prom, Hank and his friend
Nick realize they both connect with Peyton. Hank doesn’t think he
offers much with his scrawny built and doesn’t want to bring her
around his angry, resentful, grieving father. But Hank is amazing at
drawing comics. He doesn’t see himself as talented, but it takes the
love of Peyton, who suffers from her own insecurities, to make Hank
come alive.
Reading Promotion Strategy:
What are the literal and figurative ways that light and dark play a
significant role in the story?
AASL I.B.1. Using evidence to investigate questions.
AASL II.C.2. Contributing to discussions in which multiple viewpoints on
a topic are expressed.
AASL I.D.3. Enacting new understanding through real-world
connections.
Evaluation:
Personal thoughts: I had to pay attention to where the humor was, it
was not clear at times. I think the author was trying to shed light on
dark circumstances, and she did well, but the humor wasn’t the
highlight. I felt concerned for the characters and didn’t find the
character’s sarcastic humor to be well composed (maybe I don’t like
high school humor). The character development was solid and I had a
desire to learn about the lives of each person and see the connection
between their anguish. I thought the author did an excellent job at
showing how it can take someone having an ounce of faith to help one
believe in oneself.
Appeal to teens: This story is relatable in that teens get anxious during
prom season but could also be curious about what can go wrong,
especially this bizarre situation where the girl didn’t know who exactly
asked her but wanted to go with him and risk an arrest. Also, this story
shows a father-son relationship that is in distress, a younger girlfriend
trying to solve everyone’s problems, an abusive parent situation,
consequences to lying, embracing individuality, and coming of age
elements. (Stages 3 and 4)
Literary Element: A lot of dialog between the characters and
situational humor, sarcastic tones, and irony.
How I accessed: I accessed the reviews through Titlewave.

Grade Level: Young Adult
Lexile: 820
Genre:
Realistic fiction, historical
fiction, classics, bullying, peer
pressure, school setting, banned
book
Reviews & Awards:
Margaret A. Edwards Award
winner 1991
ALA Notable Children's
Books, 1995
Booklist, August 1997
Hornbook Guide, 1998
Similar Titles:
1. Permanent Record by Leslie
Stella
2. The List by Siobhan Vivian
3. The Buffalo Tree by Adam
Rapp
4. The Mockingbirds by Daisy
Whitney
5. Beyond the Chocolate War by
Robert Cormier
6. The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton
Connection: Social dynamics,
relationships in school, Bullying,
Summary:
The Vigils, a secret society at Trinity Catholic High School gives out
assignments to new recruits and associates. Incoming freshman, Jerry
Renault, must submit to the bizarre rituals of his peers and the
expectations of the head of students, Brother Leon by selling 50 boxes
of Chocolates. He appears to be like any other student at Trinity, even
trying out for the football team. But, when he refuses to sell any
chocolate for Brother Leon’s fundraiser, life gets complicated. Jerry
will go through physical and psychological war while deciding if
standing up for what he believes in is worth “disturbing the universe”.
Reading Promotion Strategy:
Create a survey (and distribute) about harassment at your school.
Summarize and chart your results. Interview the Principal or Guidance
Counselor. Create 10 or more questions to ask about how harassment
is handled at our school.  You may record your interview or orally
present your results for the class. 
AASL V.C.2. Co-constructing innovative means of investigation.
AASL V.C.3. Collaboratively identifying innovative solutions to a
challenge or problem.
Evaluation:
Personal Thought:
I really enjoyed this classic! I didn’t identify with any of the type of
peer pressure that Jerry and Goubert experienced, however I did
identify with the theme of bringing down the house for moral reasons
or standing up for what you believe in. I like how Jerry figured it out in
the beginning. “Going with the crowd” doesn’t always work out what’s
best for an individual, an important message to teens. I thought the
male perspective was a unique storyline. Jerry was a strong kid, even if
he was a loaner. I think I would have enjoyed this as an audiobook. I
understand why this book was challenged in the 70s, one of the first of
its kind. There was focus on violence/ill means both psychologically
and physically, but by today’s standards, they would be considered
pranks rather than bullying. I think if it were written as a YA today, it
would have many more pages.
Appeal to Teens: Complex theme spelled out simply for teens to
understand. Bits of pieces of the story add up to the whole message.
Goubert and Jerry represent any kid who is offended by corruption
and the power struggle but wants to take a stand. Some students may
be able to relate to the theme making the book feel authentic to them
and evoke a lot of emotions since the actions found in the story are
slightly controversial.
Literary Element: There were a lot of similes and metaphors, shifting
point of views and symbolism.
How I accessed: This title was a required read and I accessed the
reviews through Titlewave.
Works Cited
"2018 Quick Picks For Reluctant Young Adult Readers". Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), 2020,
http://www.ala.org/yalsa/2018-quick-picks-reluctant-young-adult-readers. Accessed 11 Apr 2020.

American Association of School Librarians. 2018. AASL Standards Framework for Learners. Chicago: ALA.

Cromier, Robert. The Chocolate War. Pantheon Books, 1974.

Draper, Sharon. Blended. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2018.

Green, John. Looking for Alaska. Dutton Books, 2015.

"Libguides: Children's And Young Adult Literature: Notable Social Studies Trade Books For Young
People". Guides.Library.Unlv.Edu, 2020, https://guides.library.unlv.edu/c.php?g=403811&p=2927214.
Accessed 11 Apr 2020.

McManus, Karen. One of Us Is Lying. Delacorte Press, 2017.

Reul, Paul. My Kind of Crazy. Sourcebooks Fire, 2016.

Titlewave. Follett School Solutions, Inc., 2020, http://www.titlewave.com/. Accessed 10, April 2020.

"Top Ten Most Challenged Books Lists". Advocacy, Legislation & Issues, 2020,
http://www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks/frequentlychallengedbooks/top10. Accessed 11 Apr 2020.

Key, Watt. Deep Water. Farrar Straus Giroux, 2018.
Grade Level: 5-8
Lexile: 720
Genre: Adventure, survival
stories, environmental issues,
action
Reviews & Awards:
Kirkus Reviews, 03/01/18
Publishers Weekly, 01/29/18
School Library Journal, 04/01/18
Junior Library Guild Selection 2018
Black Eyed Susan Nominee 2019
Similar Titles:
1. The Bridge Home by Padma
Venkatraman
2. Refugee by Alan Gratz
3. The Rosemary Spell by
Virginia Zimmerman
4. Terror at Battle Creek by Watt
Key
5. Alabama Moon by Watt Key
Connection: Adventure, survival
story
Adventure Title: Deep Water
Summary
Julie spends her summer with her father who owns a scuba diving
expedition business off the Alabama/Florida Gulf Coast. She can tell his
business isn’t making much profit when she finds a pile of unpaid mortgage
and utility bills. For years, Julie’s father had spent much of his time
searching for a treasure in the water and when he finally found it, he knew
he could make a huge profit with more expeditions. After falling ill, Julie’s
dad asked her to take a group on a dive. Under pressure, Julie lead the
group dive, but after 10 minutes, a series of issues arose. Minute by
minute this story provides the successes and failures of their survival story.
The dangerous situation for the divers came in a couple different phases,
beating the odds of survival in the ocean and being stranded on an oil rig.
The characters were mentally and physically exhausted, battling mother
nature, themselves individually and each other. Julie's troubled family
history and her changing relationship with one of the other divers are also
examined, intensifying the book's emotional impact.
Reading Promotion Strategy:
Research the impact “Big Oil” has on the earth’s oceans, including the
Deepwater Horizon disaster.
AASL I.D.3. Enacting new understanding through real-world connections.
AASL II.C.2. Contributing to discussions in which multiple viewpoints on a
topic are expressed.
AASL VI.B.1. Seeking a variety of sources.
AASL VI.B.2. Collecting information representing diverse perspectives.
AASL VI.B.3. Systematically questioning and assessing the validity and
accuracy of information.
AASL VI.B.4. Organizing information by priority, topic, or other systematic
scheme.
Evaluation:
Personal Thoughts: I enjoyed this story because the setting took place in a
mysterious location and included survival techniques and realistic details
about an intense near death experience. I was on the edge of my seat and
feeling the emotions of the characters. Some of the dialog that was
between the two main characters alone at sea was a bit boring and
repetitive. It didn’t last very long but it popped up in multiple chapters.
Appeal to Teens: The tough female teenager became the trailblazer during
the traumatic event, saved lives and fought for respect. This book is
educational in sharing details about survival skills at sea and mother
nature. (Stage 3, 4)
Literary Element: Flashbacks and one person point of view.
How I accessed: I selected the title Maryland Black Eyed Susan List 2019-
2020 and I accessed the reviews from Titlewave.
Fantasy Title: Atlantia
Condie, Ally. Atlantia. Speak, 2015.
 Summary:
Twin sisters, Bay and Rio were given a choice to stay living underwater
or experience a new life above water. Rio promised Bay she would
remain underwater to keep each other safe, but Bay secretly decided
to try a new life above water. Rio wants to know why her sister tricked
her and more about their mother’s mysterious death a year ago, which
her aunt has been rumored to have something to do with it. Rio is a
Siren, someone who can control emotions, object, and thoughts, but
the Council must never find out. Rio tries to find her own way above
and finds that the Council is hiding many secrets between the two
worlds. Rio tries to reunite with her sister, protect the underworld, and
absorb her power and influence as a Siren.

Reading Promotion Strategy:

Rio was a Siren, someone with a super power of controlling thoughts,
Grade Level: Young Adult objects and emotions at any time. She had to live her life keeping that a
Lexile: 680 secret from her community. She fought to bring food and safety to the
underworld when it was losing its resources. I would create a book
Genre: Fantasy, magic, siblings, display of graphic novels and fictional stories of characters that identify
grief/loss, mystery as superheroes and ask patrons to think about their own superpower/skill
and fill out an info graphic for the library display.
Reviews & Awards:
Booklist, 01/01/15 AASL V.D.2. Recognizing capabilities and skills that can be developed,
Horn Book improved, and expanded.
Guide, 5/01/15 AASL I.A.1.Formulating questions about a personal interest or a
Kirkus Reviews, 01/01/15 curricular topic.
Publishers
Weekly, 01/19/15 Evaluation:
School Library Personal Thoughts: I loved that this story took place underwater
Journal, 10/01/15 however there were very little details describing how a world
underwater would exist. I think the cover of the book could be a bit
more creative. I liked the family dynamics: Rio and Bay have an
Similar Titles: interesting relationship and it parallels the relationship of their mother
1. The Queen of Nothing by and aunt. It was beautifully written and I think the first fantasy book
Holly Black I’ve ever enjoyed!
2. Prophecy of the Sisters by Appeal to Teens: This story presents a strong, mature female in her
Michelle Zink teen aged years, figuring out how to navigate life and given tough
3. Middlegame by Seanan choices that could affect her future. Likely to appeal to any fan of “The
McGuire Little Mermaid” – wanting to go above water or below to see if a new
life is worth living. The story also includes the theme trying to bring
Connection: Fantasy, sisters, about change from an oppressive government power. (Stage 3,4,5)
magic, friendship Literary Element: 16-year-old, first person narrator, flashbacks, and the
tone was mysterious.
How I accessed: I accessed reviews through Titlewave.

Gratz, Alan. Projert 1065. Scholastic Press, 2016.
Grade Level: 5-8
Lexile: 780
Genre: Historical Fiction, Survival
Stories, WWII, Hitler, Holocaust,
Military & Wars, Detective Stories
Reviews & Awards:
Booklist, 07/01/16
Bulletin of the Center for
Children's Books, 11/01/16
Horn Book Guide, 10/01/17
Kirkus Reviews
starred, 07/15/16
School Library Journal
starred, 08/01/16
Teacher Librarian, 10/01/16
Kirkus Best Middle Grade Books of
2016
Fall 2016 Parents’ Choice
Gold Award
2018 Georgia Children’s
Book Award Winner
2017-18 Vermont Dorothy
Canfield Fisher Book Award Winner
2017-18 North Carolina
Young Adult Book Award Winner
2018-19 Missouri Truman
Award Winner
2019 Wisconsin Golden
Archer Award Winner
Similar Titles:
1. Prisoner B-3087 by Alan Gratz
2. Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler’s
Shadow by Susan Campbell Bartoletti.
3. Girl in the Blue Coat by Monica
Hesse
4. Shadow on the Mountain by Margi
Preus
5. Unlikely Warrior: A Jewish Soldier
in Hitler’s Army by Georg Rauch
Connection: Hitler, Holocaust, WWII,
Mystery
Historical Fiction Title: Projekt 1065
Summary:
Michael is the son of two Irish spies, acting as Ambassadors to
Germany, living in the Nazi hotspot of Berlin. Trying to dispatch any
useful information to the allied British Secret Service, the family sends
Michael to school amongst the Hitler Youth. Despite having flashback
to the night of Kristallnacht and hating everything about the Nazis, he is
able to convince his peers that he hates Jews and gains the trust of
many classmates, particularly Fritz. Michael finds a fallen British airman
and saves him by hiding him the family’s home and learns about
Projekt 1065, a new German jet-engine Warcraft. Fritz shows
blueprints to Michael of the machine, which became the perfect time
to use his photographic memory and take in as much detail as possible
to share with his parents. Michael joins the assassination team to kill
off a nuclear scientist but as plans unfold, Michael and his family are in
great danger.
Reading Promotion Strategy: Identify the elements and features of a
collection of Nazi propaganda images from WWII aimed at children and
influenced by the Hitler Youth.
AASL I.A.1. Formulating questions about a personal interest or a
curricular topic.
AASL II.A.2. Adopting a discerning stance toward points of view and
opinions expressed in information resources and learning products.
Evaluation:
Personal Thoughts: This was my second WWII holocaust book to read
for evaluation. It was even more interesting to see the perspective of a
spy because it was adventurous and mysterious. I also acquired rare
insight of the Hitler Youth and life in Germany. The story had a happy
ending with a lot of twist and turns.
Appeal to Teens: This book is educational with historical facts and
introduces a timeline of the events of WWII and the Holocaust on the
European front, something students struggle with. This title provides
the perspective of a teen hero, from a country that was supposed to be
neutral. It would fall under a blend of genres aimed at YA readers
interest. (Stages 3,4,5)
Literary Element: The tone was very serious but subtle sarcasm was
prevalent as the narrator poked fun at the German culture. Michael
had many flashbacks and used it as a tool to push forward with his
mission.
How I accessed: I accessed the reviews from Titlewave.
 Horror Title: Took: A Ghost Story
Hahn, Mary Downing. Took: A Ghost Story. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2015.
Summary:
Daniel and Erica’s parents drag them to wild and wonderful West
Virginia from Connecticut for a new shot at life. Unfortunately, their
new town is not as welcoming as they’d hope and their new home is
falling apart in multiple ways. While being taunted on the bus ride from
school, Daniel and Erica learned that their farm house was once home
to a family who had a daughter disappear 50 years ago. Most people
believed that is was Auntie, a conjure who lived in the woods by their
home with her resurrected hog, Bloody Bones. Daniel and Erica didn’t
believe the stories they heard until Erica started hearing voices calling
her into the woods. After an argument between Daniel and Erica, Erica
sprints off into the woods and Daniel can’t find her. When their parents
return a search-party begins and Erica is “found” a few days later by
Daniel in Auntie’s cabin. Determined to make things right, he risk his
Grade Level: 5-8 life saving Erica, and a few new companions they met along the
Lexile: 690 journey.

Genre: Horror Thriller, Fantasy, Reading Promotion Strategy:

Ghost Stories, Witches, Mystery I would create a display of ghost stories during the Halloween season
and include this title to promote reading but also focus on that it’s
Reviews & Awards: setting takes place in a local area and invite people to tell ghost stories
Bulletin of the Center for of their own from this area.
Children's Books, 11/01/15
Horn Book AASL II.A.3. Describing their understanding of cultural relevancy and
Guide, 04/01/16 placement within the global learning community.
Horn Book AASL V.A.1. Reading widely and deeply in multiple formats and write
Magazine, 09/01/15 and create for a variety of purposes.
Kirkus Reviews, 07/01/15
Library Media
Evaluation:
Connection starred, 12/01/15
Personal thoughts: This story takes place in a wooded area in West
Publishers
Virginia, very similar to where I currently live. Because I could image
Weekly, 07/13/15
almost every description of the community and haunting tales of this
School Library
Journal, 07/01/15 area, I was frightened. I thought the story was well written for the
Voice of Youth Advocates target age group. It was scary enough to fit the horror genre, but not
(VOYA), 08/01/15 gruesome or inappropriate to be of concern.
Junior Library Guild Selection, Appeal to teens: This story is fear-provoking and would be of great
2016 interest to my 6th graders, they are begging me to add more ghost
stories to our collection. The story also includes a dilemma between
Similar Titles: parents who are struggling financially, issues when moving to an
1. The Ghost Prison by Joseph unwelcoming community to outsiders, and conflicts between siblings.
Delaney (Stages 3,4)
2. The Inn Between by Marina Literary Element: The story is mostly told by Daniel’s point of view but
Cohen also by Auntie’s to showcase the conflict between them. The tone is
3. One for Sorrow: A Ghost Story eerie.
How I accessed: I accessed the reviews through Titlewave.
Connection: Ghost, Horror,
Thrillers
 Science Fiction Title: Warcross (Book 1)
Lu, Marie. Warcross (Book 1). G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2017.
Summary:
Emika Chen can’t believe how her life turned upside down in just 24
hours. The day before she hacked into the most popular reality
videogame, Warcross, and found a glitch in the system while playing in
the tournament in NYC. Emika was recently getting evicted from her
apartment and lost a huge sum of money during her bounty hunt before
billionaire and Warcross creator, Hideo Tanaka, paid off all of her debt and
sent for her to complete a mission for him in Japan. The mission was to
find another hacker named Zero trying to sabotage the game, the reward:
10 million dollars – Emika can’t refuse. Hideo enters Emika into the world
championship game as a wild card and gets drafted onto her team,
Phoenix Riders, as first pick and becomes instantly famous. She trains with
Grade Level: Young Adult, 7-12 her team and focuses on finding out who Zero is, but she realizes the
Lexile: 810 hacker has been tracking her and Hideo, putting their lives in danger.
Emika’s personal memories associated with her account have been
Genre: hacked and stolen, and through the process of trying to get them back,
Science Fiction, Computer she finds out who Zero is and he wants her to work for him to get those
Science, Hacking, Digital Media, memories returned.
mystery, Asian/Pacific American
Reading Promotion Strategy: Students will create their own virtual video
Reviews & Awards: game using Scratch. They must include certain elements from Warcross
Booklist, 07/01/17 and review each other’s work and write a review.
Horn Book AASL V.B. 1. Problem solving through cycles of design, implementation,
Guide, 04/01/18 and reflection.
Horn Book AASL V.B.2. Persisting through self-directed pursuits by tinkering and
Magazine, 11/01/17 making
Kirkus Reviews AASL IV.C.2. Contributing to collaboratively constructed information sites
starred, 07/01/17 by ethically using and reproducing others’ work.
New York
Times, 11/12/17 Evaluation:
Publishers Weekly Personal Thought: Science fiction genre was at the bottom of my list this
starred, 06/19/17 week out of our choices of books, however this title totally got me
School Library wanting more. The topic included cyber technologies that were easy to
Connection, 11/01/17 follow and the story was easy to follow since there was romance included.
School Library Journal It posed the question about human rights and intellectual freedom, but it
starred, 08/01/17 was brief.
Appeal to Teens: The game of Warcross itself represents a better life. The
Teacher
virtual reality game allows its players to escape from their difficult realities
Librarian, 02/01/18
and find peace in a better virtual life. This is an actual game that teens
Voice of Youth
play, but is goes into details about the history, hacking, and cyber analysis
Advocates (VOYA), 08/01/17
jobs. The author also provides details about Japanese culture and takes
Best STEM Books, 2018 Selection
place primarily in Tokyo. (Stages 3,4)
Literary Element: There is a lot of dialog between characters and
Similar Titles: flashbacks. The reader is emotionally invested with Emika and her mission
1. Wild Card by Marie Lu to stop Zero at the request of her boss and later boyfriend, Hideo. There is
2. Hacking Harvard: A Novel a cliffhanger at the end where Emika is faced with a tough choice
by Robin Wasserman How I accessed: I accessed this title through VOYA best list of 2017 and
3. Brian Jack by Brian Falkner Titlewave for reviews and awards.

Connection: Science Fiction,

hacking, cyber action
 Works Cited
"2017 Quick Picks For Reluctant Young Adult Readers". Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), 2020,
http://www.ala.org/yalsa/2018-quick-picks-reluctant-young-adult-readers. Accessed 20 Apr 2020.

American Association of School Librarians. 2018. AASL Standards Framework for Learners. Chicago: ALA.

Condie, Ally. Atlantia. Speak, 2015.

Gratz, Alan. Projert 1065. Scholastic Press, 2016.

Hahn, Mary Downing. Took: A Ghost Story. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2015.

Key, Watt. Deep Water. Farrar Straus Giroux, 2018.

Lu, Marie. Warcross (Book 1). G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2017.

"Scratch - Imagine, Program, Share". Scratch.Mit.Edu, 2020, https://scratch.mit.edu/. Accessed 22, April

2020.

Tignor, Brittany. "Current Nominees". Maslmd.Org, 2020, https://www.maslmd.org/current-nominees.

Accessed 17 Apr 2020.

Titlewave. Follett School Solutions, Inc., 2020, http://www.titlewave.com/. Accessed 20, April 2020.