Looking for Alaska by John Green

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Green, John. (2005). Looking for Alaska. New York, NY: Penguin Group. ISBN 0142402516

PLOT SUMMARY
Sixteen year-old Miles, tired of his “minor life” in Florida, convinces his mom and dad to let him attend Culver Creek boarding school in Alabama. He is hopeful to meet real friends and to have a “more-than-minor” life as he searches for The Great Perhaps. Miles meets and befriends his genius roommate, Chip (aka Colonel), and a beautiful, articulate, adventurous girl named Alaska. He joins their small circle of friends as they bond over studying, elaborate pranks, and reckless behavior. Midway through the book a tragedy occurs and those left behind spend the latter part of the book trying to make sense of it.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS           
       Looking for Alaska

is an outstanding coming-of-age novel that readers will have a hard time putting down. John Green’s writing is genuine, crisp, passionate, and witty. Characters are intensely real, complex, and likable despite their bossiness (Colonel) and moodiness (Alaska). Readers will appreciate Green’s realistic, insightful writing style, especially in the interactions between the characters that adds both amusement and intensity to the novel –like, the sometimes one-sided interactions and growing friendship between Miles (Pudge) and Colonel.

       The novel is structured around a tragic event, divided into short chapters titled with days before the event and days after the event. The structure allows readers to understand the event’s significance to the lives of the characters. While the text includes explicit language and sexual situations, it is not gratuitous as it aids in the development of believable characters, appropriately portrayed situations, and theme development of self discovery and loss.

        Looking for Alaska is at times both humorous and heartbreaking which further highlights the range of emotions felt by teenagers as they grow into adulthood. Some readers will easily relate to characters and situations in the novel while others may read to expand their own views through the characters’ experiences. Either way, this thought-provoking, moving novel is not to be missed!  

REVIEW EXCERPTS
2006 Michael L. Printz Award

2006 ALA Top 10 Best Books for Young Adults

2006 Teen’s Top 10 Award

Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL – “Like Phineas in John Knowles’ “A Separate Peace,” Green draws Alaska so lovingly, in self-loathing darkness as well as energetic light, that readers mourn her loss along with her friends.”

Starred review in BCCB – “Miles is a witty narrator…he’s also an articulate spokesperson for the legions of teens searching for life meaning.”

CONNECTIONS
*Teachers can use the book in literature circles that address the themes of pride, self-esteem, relationships, and death.

*Teaching notes for the book can be found here.

*Interview with John Green and discussion questions can be found here.

*More books by John Green:

Green, John. The Fault In Our Stars. ISBN 0525478817

Green, John. An Abundance of Katherines. ISBN 0142410705

*Another book that addresses similar teenage issues:

Chbosky, Stephen. The Perks of Being a Wallflower. ISBN 1451696191

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

I just have let you know that I LOVED this book! The audio version is fabulous -one of the best. I look forward to reading more books by Neil Gaiman. 

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Gaiman, Neil. (2008). The Graveyard Book. New York, NY: HarperCollins Children’s Books. ISBN 9780060530945

Gaiman, Neil. (2008). The Graveyard Book. Narrated by Neil Gaiman. New York, NY: HarperFestival, HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN 0061551899

PLOT SUMMARY
The Graveyard Book tells the tale of Nobody (nicknamed Bod) Owens, whose family is murdered when he’s just an infant. Nobody inadvertently escapes being killed after climbing out of his crib, toddling out of the house to a nearby “overgrown…unfashionable” graveyard. It is there, the ghostly inhabitants and enigmatic caretaker, Silas, raise the boy and protect him from his family’s killer, “the man Jack” (a strange man who belongs to a mysterious and sinister organization).

CRITICAL ANALYSIS          
     The audio book version is an unabridged, CD format (7 discs). The audio book version is narrated by Neil Gaiman, the much celebrated author of the book. Gaiman creates perfect mood and flawless pacing in the narration of his clever and dark fantasy story about Nobody Owens.

      Each ghost in the graveyard is given a different and appropriate voice for their character and worldly life, such as Caius Pompeius’ elder stature and the poetic discourse of Nehemiah Trot. The revelation of the story’s villain is also fantastically revealed through Gaiman’s tone and pitch change in the character’s voice. The award-winning audio version is clear and without static. A special version of “Danse Macrabre” by Béla Fleck that includes banjo music is played at the beginning and end of each disc. The music perfectly enhances the overall vibe of the novel.

      Neil Gaiman has written a delightfully dark and extraordinary story about embracing the human spirit and life itself. At the end, Mrs. Owens (Bod’s graveyard mom) sings a remembered line from a lullaby to Bod: “Face your life/It’s pain, it’s pleasure/Leave no path untaken” before he leaves the graveyard to “see the world…with his eyes and his heart wide open.” Bringing new meaning to “it takes a village”, the story of Bod and his graveyard family will captivate and entertain readers.

*Guest reader, Logan, claimed he was hooked from the beginning! He said that while the audio offers a “better experience” of the book, he thinks the print version allows for a faster read.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
2009 Newbery Award

2009 Hugo Award for Best Novel

2009 Locus Award for Best Young Adult Novel

2010 Carnegie Medal (British literary award)

2009 Audie Award (for audiobook edition)

Starred review in KIRKUS – “Wistful, witty, wise—and creepy. This needs to be read by anyone who is or has ever been a child.”

Starred review in HORN BOOK – “Lucid, evocative prose and dark fairy-tale motifs imbue the story with a dreamlike quality. …this ghost-story-cum-coming-of-age-novel as readable as it is accomplished.”

Starred review in BOOKLIST – “This is an utterly captivating tale that is cleverly told through an entertaining cast of ghostly characters. There is plenty of darkness, but the novel’s ultimate message is strong and life affirming….this is a rich story with broad appeal.”

CONNECTIONS
*Teachers can use the book in literature circles that address the themes of personal identity, family and community, and loyalty.

*Look here for excellent teaching ideas, including suggestions for reading activities, anticipation guide questions, and introductory poems.

*Reading group guide can be found here.

*Watch and listen to Neil Gaiman read an excerpt from the book here at the book’s website. 

*More books by Neil Gaiman:

Gaiman, Neil. Coraline. Ill. by Dave McKean. ISBN 0380807343

Gaiman, Neil. M is for Magic. Ill. by Teddy Kristiansen. ISBN 0061186473

 (Collection of tales for younger readers)

Gaiman, Neil. Crazy Hair. Ill. by Dave McKean. ISBN 0060579080  (Poem)

Gaiman, Neil. Blueberry Girl. Ill. by Charles Vess. ISBN 0060838108  (Picture Book)                                                                                           

Rapunzel's Revenge by Shannon & Dean Hale

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Hale, Shannon, & Hale, Dean. (2008). Rapunzel’s Revenge. Ill. by Nathan Hale. New York, NY: Bloomsbury U.S.A. Children’s Books. ISBN 1599902885

PLOT SUMMARY
Rapunzel wonders and begins to question what is beyond the huge wall of her massive and lush castle villa. After discovering the truth about Mother Gothel and her own enslaved mother, she is locked into a magical tree tower. Full of pluck and spirit, Rapunzel bravely escapes in search of justice and to bring an end to Mother Gothel’s greed and power.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Set in the Wild West, this graphic novel written by Shannon Hale and her husband, Dean, presents an action-packed, original story featuring witty dialogue and impressive girl power. Rapunzel pairs up with Jack (and his goose) in her efforts to defeat cruel Mother Gothel and free her mother from the oppressive mines. Rapunzel’s self-sufficiency is evident in the way she uses her long braids as rope and weapons to defend both herself and Jack on their many encounters. Nathan Hale’s expressive artwork readily accompanies the story line while creating spirited characters and detailed, fantasy backdrop scenery. Readers are sure to enjoy this fast-paced, good-vs-evil, unique version of familiar fairy tales in a compelling graphic format.

*Guest reader, Reace, liked “all of the action” in the story that created anticipation to the very end!

REVIEW EXCERPTS
2009 American Library Association Notable Children’s Book

2009 YALSA Great Graphic Novel for Teens

Eisner Award nominee (the Oscars of comics)

Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL – "The dialogue is witty, the story is an enticing departure from the original, and the illustrations are magically fun and expressive. Knowing that there are more graphic novels to come from this writing team brings readers their own happily-ever-after."

Starred review in HORN BOOK – "Readers familiar with graphic novels will feel at home...Newbies may not realize how particularly well-matched the Hales' gutsy tale is to its format, but this introduction--with its high action quotient, immediate sensory thrills, and wisecracking heroes--should win many converts. With such a successful debut, one hopes to see more graphic novels from this trio."

Starred review in PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY – “With its can-do heroine, witty dialogue and romantic ending, this graphic novel has something for nearly everybody."
CONNECTIONS
* Teachers can use the book in literature circles that address the theme of perseverance as well as the role of women and girl characters in fairy tales.

*A teaching guide is available here.

*A readers theatre script can be found here.

*A Newbery Award winning book by Shannon Hale:

Hale, Shannon. Princess Academy. ISBN 1599900734

*Another graphic novel from Shannon and Dean Hale:

Hale, Shannon & Dean. Calamity Jack. Ill. by Nathan Hale. ISBN 1599903733

One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Williams-Garcia, Rita. (2010). One Crazy Summer. New York, NY: HarperCollins Children’s Books. ISBN 9780060769098

Williams-Garcia, Rita. (2010). One Crazy Summer. Narrated by Sisa Aisha Johnson. New York, NY: Recorded Books Productions, LLC. ISBN 978-1449821968

PLOT SUMMARY
Delphine and her two younger sisters, Vonetta and Fern, are sent to visit their estranged mother in Oakland for one month. Far from their Brooklyn home and with no hope of a trip to Disneyland, the girls are left to entertain themselves. During their stay, they befriend “Mean Lady Ming” at the Chinese restaurant and Sister Mukumbu and Sister Pat at The People’s Center –a Black Panther-run community center where they go to eat and attend summer camp.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS

      The audio book version is an unabridged, CD format (5 discs). The audio book is narrated by Sisi Aisha Johnson, a voice and film actress. Johnson gives a perfect voice to Delphine’s mature, 11-year old character while also adjusting tone and pitch to convincingly portray other characters in the story. The entertaining and lively audio version is enjoyable, clear, and without static but does not include any sound effects or music. The book (print version) includes extras including an excerpt from Rita Williams-Garcia’s acceptance speech for the Coretta Scott King Award, a deleted chapter titled “Maxie’s Printing and Supplies”, and suggested activities.

      Intruding on their “secret agent” mother’s life of printing work and poetry, Delphine and her sisters spend their summer learning about sisterhood, friendship, and self-sacrifice amid the racial tensions of the late 1960s. Delphine leads her sisters on daily adventures to the Black Panther summer camp and an “excursion” to San Francisco. In her humorous and honest narration, Delphine tells of their adventures and eventually discovers a clearer understanding of her mother and herself.

      Rita Williams-Garcia combines poetic prose and lessons on life and history to create an exceptional story to be read and re-read (or listened to!) that leaves readers wondering about Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern long after the last chapter.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
2011 Newbery Honor Award

2011 Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction

2011 Coretta Scott King Award

Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL – “Emotionally challenging and beautifully written, this book immerses readers in a time and place and raises difficult questions of cultural and ethnic identity and personal responsibility. With memorable characters (all three girls have engaging, strong voices) and a powerful story, this is a book well worth reading and rereading.”

Starred review in BOOKLIST – “Regimented, responsible, strong-willed Delphine narrates in an unforgettable voice, but each of the sisters emerges as a distinct, memorable character, whose hard-won, tenuous connections with their mother build to an aching, triumphant conclusion.”

Starred review in HORN BOOK – “The setting and time period are as vividly realized as the characters, and readers will want to know more about Delphine and her sisters after they return to Brooklyn...”

CONNECTIONS
*Teachers can use this book as a supplemental source when learning about the 1960s and/or the Civil Rights movement during that time.

*The book can lead to further research on the Black Panthers, key Black Panther leaders, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King, Jr.

*More books by Rita Williams-Garcia:

Williams-Garcia, Rita. Jumped. ISBN 0060760915

Williams-Garcia, Rita. No Laughter Here. ISBN 0688162479

Breaking Stalin's Nose by Eugene Yelchin

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Yelchin, Eugene. (2011). Breaking Stalin’s Nose. New York, NY: Henry Holt & Company, LLC. ISBN 0805092161

Yelchin, Eugene. (2012). Breaking Stalin’s Nose. Read by Mark Turetsky. New York, NY: Recorded Books Productions, LLC. ISBN 978-1464045615

PLOT SUMMARY

The time has finally come for Sasha Zaichik to be a “reliable comrade” and recognized devotee to Comrade Stalin and Communism. The night before he is about to proudly join the Young Soviet Pioneers, his father is mysteriously arrested causing Sasha to reconsider his previous teachings and rethink his dedication to the Communist Party.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

      The audio book version is an unabridged, CD format (2 discs). The audio book is narrated by Mark Turetsky, an award-winning voice actor. Turetsky offers an expected, youthful tone for Sasha’s young, believing narrative. According to an author’s note at the end of the book’s narration, Eugene Yelchin has drawn on his own experiences in Russian to write this story in an effort to face the fears that he and so many Russians endured during, and even after, the reign of Comrade Stalin. The interesting audio version is clear and without static but does not include any sound effects or music.

      Clearly honored and excited to be joining the Young Soviet Pioneers, Sasha pens a letter to Comrade Stalin announcing his commitment and trust in “the father of Soviet children.” Sasha’s father, a Soviet secret police officer, promises to deliver the letter however, he is suddenly arrested. Left alone to figure out what has happened to his father, Sasha re-examines all that he has been taught about “enemies of the people,” the Soviet government, and what it really means to have a “Stalinist spirit” as purported by Communist citizens, including his teacher, Nina Petrovna.

      Having only listened to the audio CD, I think I missed out on seeing Yelchin’s black and white pencil illustrations that add drama and context to the narrative. I think it would be best to listen to the audio version while viewing the print copy.

REVIEW EXCERPTS

2012 Newbery Honor Award

2011 Horn Book Best Books

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review – "Yelchin skillfully combines narrative with dramatic black-and-white illustrations to tell the story of life in the Soviet Union under Stalin.”                                                                                                                                  
Starred review in HORN BOOK – “…this brief novel gets at the heart of a society that asks its citizens, even its children, to report on relatives and friends. Appropriately menacing illustrations by first-time novelist Yelchin add a sinister tone.”                                                                                                                                                      

CONNECTIONS

*Teachers can use this book as a supplemental source when studying World/Russian history, Joseph Stalin, and Communism.                                                                                                               
*Find curriculum activities for a literature unit on Breaking Stalin’s Nose here.                                                                                                                      
*Read more about the book and see a book trailer here.                                                                         
*Picture books illustrated by Eugene Yelchin:                                                                                       
Stampler, Ann Redisch. The Rooster Prince of Breslov. Ill. by Eugene Yelchin. ISBN 0618989749                                                                
Wardlaw, Lee. Won Ton, A Cat Tale Told in Haiku. Ill. by Eugene Yelchin. ISBN 0808995050

*Book recommended by Eugene Yelchin in Author’s Note in audio version:

Park, Linda Sue. When My Name Was Keoko. ISBN 0618133356

The Midwife's Apprentice by Karen Cushman

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Cushman, Karen. (1995). The Midwife’s Apprentice. New York, NY: Clarion Books. ISBN 0395692296

PLOT SUMMARY
The Midwife’s Apprentice tells the story of an orphaned and destitute “homeless waif” known only as “Brat” or "Beetle" as she embraces a new name, discovers value in herself, and finds her way in the world.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

       Karen Cushman creates a vivid and witty picture of medieval life as the main character, Alyce, navigates her way to independence. Asleep in the warmth of a dung heap, “Beetle” is offered food and shelter by an impatient, “sharp” featured midwife named Jane. Adopting the “clean and friendly and smart” name of Alyce, she begins her journey as “a person with a name and a place in the world.” Along the journey, Alyce learns about friendship and determination.

      Cushman peppers her writing with medieval English language and syntax –such as “Alyce, be that you?"“Corpus bones!”- bringing readers into the ordinary, daily lives of the villagers while emphasizing a hint of compassion not always endeared to medieval times (“the wee duckling”). The story of Alyce will resonate with readers, especially those who have overcome significant obstacles to achieve their goals.

REVIEW EXCERPTS

1996 Newbery Honor Award

American Library Association Best Book for Young Adults

School Library Journal Best Books of the Year

Parents’ Choice Award - Gold Winner

Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL – "With simplicity, wit, and humor, Cushman presents another tale of medieval England. Here readers follow the satisfying, literal and figurative journey of a homeless, nameless child called Brat…Earthy humor, the foibles of humans both high and low, and a fascinating mix of superstition and genuinely helpful herbal remedies attached to childbirth make this a truly delightful introduction to a world seldom seen in children’s literature."

Starred review in BOOKLIST – "This novel is about a strong, young woman in medieval England who finds her own way home…Kids will be caught up in this short, fast-paced narrative about a hero who discovers that she’s not ugly or stupid or alone."

CONNECTIONS
*Teachers can use the book in literature circles that address the theme of perseverance and unwavering faith.

*Teachers can use this book as a supplemental source when studying the medieval time period.

*Discussion guide and an audio clip are available here.

*More books by Karen Cushman:

Cushman, Karen. Catherine, Called Birdy. ISBN 0064405842

Cushman, Karen. Will Sparrow’s Road. ISBN 9780547739625 (Available this month! Listen to podcasts of the book here.)

The Lincolns by Candace Fleming

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Fleming, Candace. (2008). The Lincolns: A Scrapbook Look at Abraham and Mary. New York, NY: Schwartz & Wade Books, A division of Random House, Inc. ISBN 9780375836183

PLOT SUMMARY

Author Candace Fleming offers an in-depth, insightful biographical look into the separate and joined lives of Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln. Starting with Abraham Lincoln’s humble beginnings and the lavish, upper-class childhood of Mary Todd, Fleming intertwines the personal, family, and political lives of two fascinating historical figures.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS    
     Fleming is known for the innovative, expansive scrapbook-style presentation of biographical information that includes lively narrative filled with quotations and abundant visuals. A guiding time line, The Lincoln Years (following the Contents and author Introduction pages), outlines the chronological lives from birth to death of Abraham, Mary, and their sons. An Index at the back of the book also provides categorical guidance for the reader.
     The book is organized thematically rather than strictly chronological allowing for readers to understand the people behind the more familiar politics and battles. For example, readers become acquainted with Mary’s “very ambitious…political consultant” nature and often stubborn “hellcat” personality behind her refined, well-educated façade of a politician’s wife. Readers also recognize Abraham as “Pa” and Mary as “Ma” as well as the Lincolns’ lenient, indulgent parenting style in a time when children should be seen and not heard.

     Chapters divided with running headings, sub-headings, and text boxes in varied fonts permit readers to read-through or browse. Equally so, included primary source documents such as, historical paintings, etchings, sketches, photographs, maps, church documents, handwritten notes, political documents and cartoons attract the reader’s eye and help to illustrate and create significance to the corresponding narrative. An About the Research page, extensive source Notes, and Photograph Credits complete this award-winning book that is sure to appeal to both young and adult readers.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
2009 Orbis Pictus Honor Book

2009 Boston Globe Horn Book Award for Nonfiction
2008 School Library Journal Best Book

Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL – “It’s hard to imagine a more engaging or well-told biography of the Lincolns.”

Starred review in KIRKUS – "The scrapbook technique . . . remains fresh and lively, a great way to provide a huge amount of information in a format that invites both browsing and in-depth study."

Starred review in BOOKLIST - "Fleming offers another standout biographical title, this time twining accounts of two lives—Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln—into one fascinating whole."
CONNECTIONS
*Teachers can use the book as a resource when studying Lincoln, The Civil War, and slavery.

*Discussion and Writing ideas for each chapter can be found here.

*Lincoln websites are here, here, and here.

*More books about Abraham Lincoln for young readers:

Meltzer, Milton (Ed.). Lincoln, In His Own Words. ISBN 0152454373

Gross, Ruth Belov. True Stories about Abraham Lincoln. ISBN 0590437542